South Africa’s best playing XI for the WTC 2023-25 final against Australia

South Africa have officially unveiled their 15-member squad for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, scheduled to be played from June 11 to 15 at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

This highly anticipated fixture will face the culmination of the WTC cycle 2023-25  and offers South Africa a golden opportunity to lift their maiden ICC Test Championship title. The selection of the squad reflects the management’s desire to strike a balance between experience and youth while maintaining a strong core that has served them well in recent red-ball assignments. The Lord’s Test will serve not only as a final but also as a statement of South Africa’s resurgence in Test cricket.

Temba Bavuma to lead a settled squad against Australia in the World Test Championship final

Temba Bavuma, the composed and tactically astute right-handed batter, will captain the South African Test team in the final. Bavuma, who has gradually grown into the leadership role, will be tasked with galvanizing a relatively young group into delivering a performance worthy of a world title. The selectors have opted for continuity, making just two alterations to the squad that faced Pakistan earlier this year.

Promising fast bowler Kwena Maphaka, despite showing glimpses of his potential, has been released from the squad to make room for the more experienced Lungi Ngidi, whose ability to generate bounce and movement in England conditions could prove decisive. Another significant omission is Matthew Breetzke, the top-order batter who failed to convert his starts in previous opportunities. His spot has been vacated to accommodate better-performing or more versatile options. These minimal changes underline the selectors’ confidence in the existing group, and they appear keen to maintain team cohesion ahead of one of the biggest matches in South Africa’s Test history.

Also READ: AB de Villiers picks South Africa’s bowling attack for WTC final against Australia at Lord’s

South Africa’s best playing XI for the WTC 2023-25 final against Australia

1. Aiden Markram (Opener)

• Current Test form: Markram has shown a resurgence in red-ball cricket, scoring consistently in home Tests and averaging 34.70 since 2024 on tough wickets.
• Role for South Africa: As an experienced opener, he is expected to provide a solid foundation and absorb the early pressure against the new ball.
• Threat to Australia: His ability to dominate spinners and play the back foot punch can neutralize Australia’s fast bowlers when the ball gets older.

2. Ryan Rickelton (Opener/Wicketkeeper batter)

• Current Test form: Rickelton impressed in the domestic circuit and has carried that form into the international stage, with consistent scores in his last few innings including an exceptional 259 runs in his last game against Pakistan.
• Role for South Africa: As a left-hander, he brings variety to the top order and can wear down the Australian quicks with his patience and temperament.
• Threat to Australia: If he gets in, his natural strokeplay, especially square of the wicket that can disrupt the rhythm of bowlers like Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.

3. Tony de Zorzi (Top-order batter)

• Current Test form: A recent addition to the Test setup, de Zorzi has shown flashes of brilliance but still seeks a defining knock at the highest level.
• Role for South Africa: Offers fresh energy and flair at No. 3, capable of anchoring the innings or counter-attacking when required.
• Threat to Australia: His aggressive intent against spin and medium pace can shift momentum quickly in favor of South Africa.

4. Temba Bavuma (Captain, Middle-order batter)

• Current Test form: Bavuma has had a great run lately and scored pile of runs against Sri Lanka and Pakistan at home, showing his class under pressure.
• Role for South Africa: As captain and a seasoned middle-order batter, his role is to stabilize the innings and guide younger batters.
• Threat to Australia: His ability to grind out tough periods and rotate strike smartly can frustrate the Australian bowlers.

5. Kyle Verreynne (Wicketkeeper-batter)

• Current Test form: Verreynne has been reliable with the bat and gloves, averaging around 33 in Tests and excelling in crunch situations.
• Role for South Africa: Provides crucial lower-middle order runs and is an athletic wicketkeeper who can take sharp chances.
• Threat to Australia: He can counterattack effectively against tiring bowlers, especially useful during second innings pressure chases.

6. Corbin Bosch (All-rounder)

• Current Test form: Has yet to fully establish himself in Test cricket but has had strong debut game both with the bat and ball.
• Role for South Africa: Offers seam-bowling support and can chip in with quick lower-order runs to lengthen the batting.
• Threat to Australia: As a relatively unknown entity, he could exploit the element of surprise, especially with ball movement under English skies.

7. Wiaan Mulder (All-rounder)

• Current Test form: Mulder has had limited recent Test exposure but had a terrific 2024 season where his form skyrocketed. His batting average in 2024 was 64.50 and with the ball he took 10 wickets.
• Role for South Africa: Balances the XI with dual utility, capable of batting at No. 7 and bowling in helpful conditions.
• Threat to Australia: His ability to swing the ball at medium pace could be effective against Australia’s middle order, especially in overcast conditions.

8. Marco Jansen (Bowling all-rounder)

• Current Test form: Jansen has become a standout performer in the last couple of years, averaging 20+ with the bat and under 25 with the ball.
• Role for South Africa: Acts as the enforcer with the ball and a reliable contributor with the bat in the lower order.
• Threat to Australia: His height and natural bounce make him a major weapon, particularly against left-handers like Usman Khawaja and Travis Head.

9. Keshav Maharaj (Spinner)

• Current Test form: Maharaj recently returned from injury and showed promising signs, maintaining economy and taking key middle-order wickets.
• Role for South Africa: Will be the primary spinner and expected to contain and strike on a dry Day 4 or 5 Lord’s pitch.
• Threat to Australia: His accuracy and subtle variations can expose Australia’s middle order, especially on a wearing surface.

10. Kagiso Rabada (Strike pacer)

• Current Test form: Rabada remains South Africa’s premier fast bowler, consistently taking wickets in all conditions with his pace and aggression.
• Role for South Africa: Will spearhead the attack, expected to deliver breakthroughs early and return for crucial spells late in the day.
• Threat to Australia: His sharp bounce, reverse swing, and ability to clean up tailenders make him a persistent menace across both innings.

11. Lungi Ngidi (Fast bowler)

• Current Test form: Ngidi has struggled with injuries but has bowled economically in his recent returns, especially effective in helpful conditions.
• Role for South Africa: Adds control and seam movement, ideally suited to exploit Lord’s slope and morning conditions.
• Threat to Australia: His ability to hit a consistent line and induce edges will trouble top-order players like Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.

Also READ: Australia unveil full-strength squad for WTC 2025 final against South Africa