Sports
WTC Final 2025: South Africa’s Probable 11 and the Cricket Selection Twist
After a stunning turnaround, South Africa heads to Lord’s on June 11 as the underdog-turned-finalist in the 2025 World Test Championship. The Proteas are hunting their first major ICC title in over two decades – a dream fuelled by tactical grit and inspiring performances. Here’s the confirmed 11 and the all-important selection subplot developing just before the big day.
The Core Eleven
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Aiden Markram
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Ryan Rickelton
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Tristan Stubbs
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Temba Bavuma (captain)
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David Bedingham
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Kyle Verreynne (wicket‑keeper)
Bowlers & All‑rounders:
7. Wiaan Mulder
8. Marco Jansen
9. Kagiso Rabada
10. Keshav Maharaj
11. Dane Paterson – the man likely to clinch the last bowling slot.
Inside the Fourth-Pacer Battle
South Africa had a four-pronged pace line-up after Rabada, Jansen, and Mulder secured their spots. But choosing that final slot sparked debate, and it’s narrowed down to three:
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Lungi Ngidi: Raw pace and angle, but limited to just two Tests since early 2023, and fitness remains a concern.
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Corbin Bosch: Offers handy lower-order runs, yet his recent form is less explosive than Paterson’s.
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Dane Paterson: Red-hot form – 13 wickets in his last two Tests, including two five-wicket hauls – and domestic familiarity with Lord’s via Middlesex shines in his favour.
Image 1: Pexels
Why This Selection Matters
South Africa’s selectors have felt the weight of third-place finishes and missed opportunities – most recently in the 2015 World Cup, when dropping Kyle Abbott for Vernon Philander backfired. This time, precision matters. Every player’s inclusion must align with conditions at Lord’s:
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Paterson’s county stint with Middlesex this season offers a steel framework in English conditions.
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Ngidi’s fitness risks could compromise momentum during high-stakes spells.
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Bosch’s batting depth is sweet – but with six reliable batters already in, adding more bowling punch seems far more critical.
The Local Pulse
Across South African social media, anticipation is raw and electric. Fans praising Paterson’s wicket haul and English familiarity are trending #Paterson4Proteas, while Ngidi supporters advocate for pace and aggression. But the mood isn’t divided – it’s one of collective hope. From Pretoria to Port Elizabeth, citizens are lighting braziers and streaming Test coverage – faith echoing in every tweet.
Remember the Date
Match: South Africa vs Australia, World Test Championship Final, Lord’s
Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Never has South Africa headed into a match with as much on the line. With a stellar top six, a potent 4–1 spin/pace split, and one final selection gambit, the Proteas believe the stars are aligning. But in Test cricket, the pitch-time decision by captains and selectors can tip the balance.
A Moment Ready to Make History
South Africa’s probable 11 is set. The only lingering suspense? That final seamer spot – likely Paterson, though time will tell. At Lord’s, the Proteas have a chance not just to compete, but to redefine their legacy.
From comebacks to consistency, this feels like the day they’ve been building toward. The stage is set. The team is chosen. Now it’s time for history.
Also read: Proteas Make History: South Africa Earn Place in WTC Final 2025
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Source: Cricket.com
Featured Image: CricXtasy
