Well, folks, it’s T-minus 24 hours until the biggest Test match in South Africa’s history kicks off at Lord’s, and the Proteas have wasted no time confirming their playing XI for the World Test Championship final against Australia. As expected, the towering presence of Lungi Ngidi makes a welcome return to the side after a lengthy 10-month hiatus, having spent most of the Test summer on the sidelines. His return, however, comes at the expense of Dane Paterson, who, despite featuring in five Tests over the last 15 months, is the unfortunate one to miss out on this monumental clash.
Skipper Temba Bavuma himself confirmed the XI on the eve of the match, a clear sign of South Africa’s intent to finally break their notorious knockout hoodoo in world events. While the 11 names on the sheet were largely anticipated, the real intrigue lies in how the pieces of the puzzle might shift around. If their recent warm-up fixture against Zimbabwe in Arundel is anything to go by, we could see some tactical reshuffling.
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For instance, Tristan Stubbs has frequently occupied the No. 3 spot in this WTC cycle, but in the warm-up, we saw all-rounder Wiaan Mulder promoted to that crucial position. This subtle but significant tweak suggests a potential batting order that could see Mulder at No. 3, Bavuma at No. 4, and then Stubbs and David Bedingham slotting in at No. 5 and No. 6 respectively. It’s a move that could provide more stability and flexibility in the middle order.
South Africa has announced it’s playing XI for the WTC final against the Aussies.#AUSvsSA #WTCFinal #Lords pic.twitter.com/qk44RI8DHl
— Anis Sajan (@mrcricketuae) June 10, 2025
The bowling attack is undeniably potent, with Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, and the returning Ngidi forming a formidable pace trio, ably supported by Mulder. Keshav Maharaj will be the vital link between the lower order and the fast bowlers, providing that much-needed spin option.
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Ultimately, Tony de Zorzi, Dane Paterson, Senuran Muthusamy, and Corbin Bosch are the four unlucky members of the 15-man squad who will be watching from the sidelines. The stage is set, the team is picked, and now, all that’s left is for the Proteas to deliver on the grandest stage of all. Do you think this early announcement gives them an edge, or is it a mind game from Bavuma?
South Africa playing XI for WTC Final: Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verrynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
