WTC Final 2025: South Africa announce Playing XI for Lord's clash against Australia

South Africa have announced their playing combination for the World Test Championship Final 2025. The summit clash of the WTC 2023-25 clash will see the Proteas crossing swords against reigning champions Australia at the Lord's in London. The ultimate Test, which is supposed to begin June 11, will see the Proteas being led by star batter Temba Bavuma, while Kyle Verrynne will be the wicketkeeper. Ace pacers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi have also found a place in the XI.

All-rounder Wiaan Mulder will be batting at No. 3 and will be holding key to their top-order, while the openers will be Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton. The left-handed opener can also act as backup wicketkeeping option in case the mainstay Verreynne is unavailable. Skipper Bavuma is slated to bat at No. 4, which will be followed by Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham at 5 and 6, respectively. Tall all-rounder Marco Jansen provides a handy batting option in the lower middle-order, as well as the third seam option with his left-arm pace.

Keshav Maharaj will be featuring for the Rainbow Nation as the specialist spinner, and might receive support from Markram if the need be.

The thrilling contest will begin on Wednesday, June 11 at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground in London with each day commencing action at 3:00 PM (Indian Standard Time). The Indian audience can watch the WTC Final 2025 on Star Sports Network Channels and JioHotstar (app and website). 

South Africa playing XI

Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

The game will prove to be an excellent opportunity for South Africa to break their ICC title curse, as they have reached close on many occasions, but failed to make the moment count. The last ICC final they played was during the 2024 T20 World Cup against India, as they suffered a narrow 7-run defeat in the final over. Later, South Africa also lost the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final at the hands of the Aussies.