There's a sense of 'as you were' when Proteas men’s head coach Shukri Conrad announced the 15-player squad on Tuesday for the highly anticipated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia, taking place from 11-15 June at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
Defining moments. Unshakable character. This is what Test cricket’s all about 🏏.
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) May 13, 2025
As we look to the battle that awaits, we acknowledge growth and reward perseverance 💪👏.
This isn’t just a squad; it’s a statement of intent and a true reflection of grit 🇿🇦.#WTC25 #WozaNawe… pic.twitter.com/qa1de9NFWX
Temba Bavuma will lead the side, with the pace attack spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, and Lungi Ngidi, who returns to the test fold for the first time since October 2024.
The bowling unit is bolstered by allrounders Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder and Corbin Bosch. The squad also features two frontline spinners in Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy.
There is a strong feel and overall balance to the top order where batters Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and David Bedingham all feature, while one of the key players in helping the Proteas reach the final, Kyle Verreynne, is named as wicketkeeper.
Commenting on the squad, Conrad said: “Firstly, I want to congratulate each of the players selected for this squad. It is a special moment for this group to contest the WTC Final. Over the past 18 months, we’ve worked hard to build a competitive red-ball unit, and this achievement reflects that progress.
Comebacks in cricket are the stories that shape history. Rare, but unforgettable — they are legendary and captivate fans across generations 🏏.
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) May 12, 2025
The Proteas’ journey to the World Test Championship Final is no different. From a slow start to an unstoppable unbeaten run, we have… pic.twitter.com/FBKFzcqziy
“A key part of our success has been consistency in selection, and we’ve stuck with the core group of players who have been part of this WTC cycle. We’ve selected a balanced squad for the conditions we expect at Lord’s.
“I’m particularly pleased to welcome Lungi back in the side. He’s put in the work and offers us an experienced option with the ball.”
The squad will assemble in Arundel on 31 May and will play a warm-up match against Zimbabwe from 3 – 6 June, before heading to London on 7 June.
South Africa squad - ICC Men’s World Test Championship Final 2025 against Australia
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), David Bedingham (World Sports Betting Western Province), Corbin Bosch (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tony de Zorzi (World Sports Betting Western Province), Marco Jansen (Renault North West Dragons), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (Dafabet Warriors), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Dane Paterson (World Sports Betting Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions), Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors), and Kyle Verreynne (World Sports Betting Western Province).
Management
Shukri Conrad (Head Coach), Khomotso Volvo Masubelele (Team Manager), Ashwell Prince (Batting Coach), Piet Botha (Bowling Coach), Kruger van Wyk (Fielding Coach), Runeshan Moodley (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Matthew Reuben (Performance Analyst), Sizwe Hadebe (Physiotherapist), Dr Konrad von Hagen (Team Doctor), Kyle Botha (Logistics and Masseur), Lucy Davey (Media Manager) and Brian Khonto (Security Officer).