Seven IPL players named as SA announce their playing XI for WTC 2025 final vs Aus
South Africa have announced their playing XI for the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, which is scheduled to be played at the Lord’s in London on Monday, June 11. They named a total of seven players, including Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder, who played in the recently concluded 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Lungi Ngidi has made his comeback to the Test side after missing the last series against Pakistan due to a groin injury in January.
The remaining 10 players from their last Test in Newlands (Cape Town), barring Kwena Maphaka, stay the same. He will join the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder in the pace attack while Keshav Maharaj has been included as the sole specialist spinner.
The Proteas have warmed up for the big event with a warm-up game against Zimbabwe, which ended in a draw. The likes of Ryan Rickelton, skipper Bavuma, and Tristan Stubbs chipped in with their half-centuries. They will be keen to carry their form into the ultimate Test.
As a skipper, Temba Bavuma is yet to lose a Test match. He was eight out of nine Tests, including a draw. Thus, he will be keen to end the Proteas’ wait for an ICC title.
South Africa playing XI: Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verrynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
South Africa finished on top of the WTC 2023-2025 points table
South Africa finished on top of the WTC 2023-25 points table. They won eight out of their 12 Tests, including three losses and a draw. Meanwhile, Australia were second with 13 victories in 19 Tests, comprising four defeats and two draws.
SA will be looking to become the third side to win the WTC. Meanwhile, Australia are defending champions after beating India to lift the 2023 edition of the ICC event. Earlier, New Zealand won the inaugural 2021 edition of the tournament by defeating Team India in the final.