South Africa Playing XI for WTC Final: South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has named his playing XI for the ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia, set to begin Wednesday at Lord’s. It marks South Africa’s maiden appearance in the WTC Final, with a squad that balances experience, form, and tactical nuance.
The Proteas have opted for a stable top order led by Ryan Rickelton — the side’s highest run-getter in the 2023–25 WTC cycle — alongside Bavuma himself, Aiden Markram, and the in-form Tristan Stubbs.
The most notable call is the promotion of all-rounder Wiaan Mulder to No. 3, a move Bavuma described as both a vote of confidence and a tactical adjustment.
“Mulder is still young in that role,” Bavuma said. “But the way he’s grown in the last two years in red-ball cricket, we believe in giving him that responsibility. It’s about backing him to play his game in a pressure situation.”
The bowling attack features a blend of pace and spin, with Kagiso Rabada leading the seam unit alongside Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen. Keshav Maharaj will be the lone specialist spinner in the lineup.
Ngidi’s inclusion came at the expense of Dane Paterson, who had been in impressive form during South Africa’s recent Test outings. Bavuma acknowledged the selection call as one of the toughest leading into the final.
“It was a difficult decision,” Bavuma admitted. “Dane has been excellent, but tactically, we opted for a bit more pace and bounce with Lungi. He brings experience and has performed in English conditions. We also have Mulder, who can offer a similar role to what Patto does.”
The match is set to be a high-stakes encounter as South Africa seek their first major ICC title in over two decades, while Australia aim to defend their World Test Championship crown.
SA vs AUS: South Africa Playing XI for WTC Final
South Africa Playing XI: Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
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