Sports

Bavuma’s Brave Call: South Africa’s Final XI Locked for Historic WTC Showdown

Published

3 months ago

June 11, 2025

Chiraag

Temba Bavuma and Pat Cummins at Lord’s ahead of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, South Africa cricket captain, Australia cricket captain, Proteas squad announcement, Bavuma names playing XI, WTC Final team news, cricket captains photoshoot, Lord’s Cricket Ground, historic match for South Africa, Proteas vs Australia, WTC Final buildup, South African Test cricket milestone, Joburg ETC

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma announces the squad for the most important Test in a generation – and it’s filled with gutsy calls and quiet confidence.

When the sun rises over Lord’s on 11 June 2025, it won’t just light up one of cricket’s most sacred grounds – it will shine down on a South African side chasing history. Temba Bavuma has officially revealed the XI that will take on defending champions Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final. And for the first time since the format’s inception, the Proteas have earned their place in the “Ultimate Test.”

Also read: WTC Final 2025: South Africa’s Probable 11 and the Cricket Selection Twist

A Line-Up of Balance, Belief, and Boldness

At the top of the order, Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram are set to open. Rickelton, who quietly emerged as the top run-scorer for South Africa during the WTC 2023-25 cycle, brings consistency and class. Markram, ever the stroke-maker, is likely to set the tone early with his trademark aggression.

But the real curveball? Wiaan Mulder at No. 3. The all-rounder’s elevation up the order has raised eyebrows, especially given his relatively short stint in the role. But Bavuma is standing firm behind the decision.

“It’s about giving him a lot more confidence,” Bavuma told media ahead of the match. “We just want him to play his game.”

Backing youth under pressure? It’s a move that speaks volumes about Bavuma’s leadership.

Middle Order Muscle and a Spin of Stability

Bavuma slots in at No. 4, bringing both experience and an unshakable presence. He’s followed by dynamic batters Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham – two players who’ve turned domestic dominance into international opportunity. Kyle Verreynne, behind the stumps, rounds out a versatile middle order with grit.

The spin duties will fall solely on Keshav Maharaj, South Africa’s go-to tweaker, whose control and calm under fire have been assets for years. Lord’s may not offer a turning track, but his inclusion provides balance and a tactical edge.

The Pacers: Fire, Height, and History

In the pace department, Kagiso Rabada leads a formidable attack alongside the towering Marco Jansen and comeback quick Lungi Ngidi. The decision to pick Ngidi over in-form Dane Paterson was not an easy one, Bavuma admitted. But it came down to raw pace, bounce, and experience on English soil.

“It was probably one of the toughest decisions we’ve made,” Bavuma said. “But we feel Ngidi complements the attack better for this specific contest.”

It’s a big call – Paterson was electric in the last series against Pakistan – but in the high-stakes arena of a WTC Final, the Proteas have gone with pedigree.

South Africa names playing XI for WTC Final, Temba Bavuma leads Proteas into first Test Championship Final, Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder in starting lineup, cricket at Lord’s, historic Proteas squad, ICC WTC Final 2025 preview, Lungi Ngidi selected over Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada in pace attack, South African cricket news, match against Australia, Joburg ETC

Image 1: Facebook/Sportskeeda Cricket

South Africa’s WTC Final XI

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

A First for the Proteas, A Test for the Ages

This isn’t just another match for South Africa – it’s their first-ever appearance in a World Test Championship Final. They topped the WTC table with grit, consistency, and some memorable performances over two long years.

Now, they face the ultimate challenge: Australia. The same team that steamrolled India in the 2023 Final. But this Proteas side, under Bavuma’s calm yet steely leadership, is built differently. It’s a mix of old heads, rising stars, and a hunger that hasn’t been seen since the Graeme Smith era.

Social media has been buzzing since the announcement. Fans are backing the boys, with hashtags like #ProteaFire, #WTCFinal, and #BavumaBrigade trending across X and Instagram. There’s a sense – perhaps cautious, perhaps hopeful – that this squad could do what no Proteas Test team has done before: win a global ICC event.

Lord’s has always held a special place in cricket’s soul. For South Africa, it could become sacred ground. Bavuma’s XI is a bold blend of faith and form, of strategy and sentiment. Whether it leads to triumph or heartbreak, one thing is certain: the Proteas are ready to write a new chapter.

And the world will be watching.