Conrad names Proteas squad for ICC World Test Championship Final

Proteas Men’s head coach Shukri Conrad has announced the 15-player squad 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.

Temba Bavuma will lead the side, with the pace attack spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada, World Sports Betting Western Province’s Dane Paterson and Lungi Ngidi, who returns to the Test fold for the first time since October 2024.

The bowling unit is bolstered by all-rounders Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder and Momentum Multiply Titans’ 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.

“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.

The Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) Chief Executive Officer Corrie van Zyl, has extended his congratulations to the four World Sports Betting (WSB) Western Province Men’s players selected for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final.

Paterson returns to the Test arena for the first time since October 2024. He joins teammates Bedingham, De Zorzi ande Verreynne – a quartet who have played key roles in the Proteas Test side throughout the WTC 2023-2025 cycle.

Paterson, Verreynne and Bedingham are currently competing in the English County Championship, which serves as ideal preparation ahead of the Final. Meanwhile, de Zorzi has been training closely with the WSB Western Province Men’s coaching staff in Cape Town before the national squad assembles.

Van Zyl conveyed his support and pride: “We are extremely proud of our WSB Western Province players. Their selection is a testament to their hard work, consistency, and contribution to South African cricket. We wish them all the best for the Final at Lords – the entire WP Cricket family will be cheering on the Boys In Blue.”

Meanwhile, the prize pool for the World Test Championship Final between South Africa and Australia has been announced.

With less than a month to go until the one-off Test at Lord’s between South Africa and Australia, the ICC have unveiled a massive prize money pool for the 2023–25 edition of the ICC World Test Championship.

The total prize pool for the WTC 2023-25 Final stands at $5.76-million, more than double that of the previous two editions.

The champions will walk away with $3.6m, a significant jump from the $1.6m awarded in both 2021 and 2023 while the runners-up will earn $2.16m, up from $800 000.

South Africa topped the WTC25 standings and became the first team to secure a spot in the final at Lord’s, courtesy of series victories over Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, along with a drawn home series against India.

Australia booked their place in the final with a 3-1 triumph over India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Their strong campaign also included a 3-0 sweep of Pakistan at home and away series wins against New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

Speaking on the announcement, ICC Chair Jay Shah said: “We have witnessed a very interesting third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship, where the finalists were decided only towards the end of the competition.

“The championship has showcased remarkable performances from players of different teams, culminating in a final between these two exceptional squads - a true celebration of cricket.

“I am sure spectators at Lord’s, along with fans tuning in from all over the world, will be treated to some top-class cricket in this revered format when Australia and South Africa take the field less than a month from now.

“On behalf of the ICC, I extend best wishes to the players of both teams in their preparations for the prestigious match.”

Both captains have their sights set on glory at Lord’s, with South Africa chasing an elusive ICC title, while Australia aim to make history as the tournament’s first two-time champions.

South African captain Temba Bavuma said: “We’re really pleased to have made the World Test Championship Final, which is a good opportunity for us to win an ICC title.

“Everyone understands the importance of Test cricket and the World Test Championship lends context to this vital format of the game. Lord’s is a fitting venue for this mega fixture and all of us will be out there trying to give our best against Australia.”

“The anticipation is increasing with less than one month to go and I am sure fans around the world would be following the fortunes of both teams come 11 June.”

Australian captain Pat Cummins said: “We are enormously proud to have the opportunity to defend the World Test Championship, especially at Lord’s. It’s a testament to all those involved across the past two years who have worked incredibly hard to reach the final, which is a great honour for all of us.

“We very much look forward to getting together again in England in just a few weeks’ time and the challenge South Africa will present at the home of cricket.”

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).

ICC World Test Championship Final 2025

11-15 June at 10.30am (11.30am SAST)

South Africa v Australia – Lord’s Cricket Ground, London