South Africa Unveils 15-Man Squad for WTC Final: Lungi Ngidi Returns to Face Australia
South Africa Confirms Squad for WTC Final at Lord's
South Africa’s selectors have locked in their 15-man group for the much-anticipated ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia at Lord’s. The big headline is the comeback of fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who hasn’t played a Test since August 2024. His return comes after months away from the national red-ball side and brings a new layer of punch to an already strong pace lineup.
Selecting this squad wasn’t just about rolling out the usual suspects either—fitness checks played a key role. Captain Temba Bavuma, who was under the scanner for an elbow injury, and middle-order batter David Bedingham, recovering from a toe problem, have both cleared the hurdles and will suit up for the final. Their availability gives South Africa both leadership and batting depth, something they’ll need against a red-hot Australian unit.
The bowling attack this time feels especially loaded. Alongside Ngidi, there’s strike weapon Kagiso Rabada, the tall left-armer Marco Jansen, reliable Dane Paterson, and the up-and-comer Corbin Bosch. Familiar spinner Keshav Maharaj, who often flies under the radar despite his consistency, is joined by Senuran Muthusamy, offering valuable options if conditions at Lord’s take a turn for the spinners. South Africa’s head coach, Shukri Conrad, pointed out how the lineup was chosen with English pitches in mind, where swing and seam usually rule. Conrad also highlighted the squad’s stability, noting that the group features a large chunk of the same players who took them through the WTC cycle.
Squad List and Preparation Plans
This is how the lineup shapes up: Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Kyle Verreynne, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Senuran Muthusamy, and Dane Paterson. The batting order is spearheaded by Bavuma and Markram, while newcomers like Stubbs and Rickelton will be eager to seize the moment if called upon. Kyle Verreynne brings a calm head behind the stumps, and all-rounders such as Jansen and Mulder offer versatility—always handy for five-day cricket when the script can flip fast.
Before facing the Aussies, South Africa isn’t leaving anything to chance. They’ll cross the Channel for a crucial warm-up match against Zimbabwe in Arundel. Even if it’s just a tour match, players know these games are anything but casual. Places in the playing XI are still up for grabs, and team management will have a close eye on how tight the bowling units look, especially in cool English conditions.
The WTC Final itself is more than just another game. For South Africa, it’s a shot at a first Test trophy in decades. With the core squad healthy, the fast bowlers raring to go, and experienced players familiar with big stages, they seem set to go toe-to-toe with Australia in a true test of nerve at the home of cricket.