WTC Final 2025: Australia and South Africa Confirm Squads for Lord’s Showdown
Australia and South Africa Announce Squads for 2025 WTC Final
The stage is set for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, as Australia and South Africa have unveiled their respective squads for the high-stakes clash scheduled to begin on June 11 at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Both teams come into the contest with contrasting experiences — Australia as defending champions, and South Africa making their debut in a WTC final.
Australia’s Squad and Selection Questions
Australia has named a strong 15-member squad with a notable return of several key players. Captain Pat Cummins, pacer Josh Hazlewood, and all-rounder Cameron Green are back in the side after injury layoffs. Green’s return is particularly significant, though the 25-year-old, having undergone back surgery, is not expected to bowl, limiting Australia’s all-round options.
Beau Webster, another all-rounder, retains his place after a promising Test debut season, offering depth and flexibility. However, one of the most pressing questions surrounds Australia’s top-order batting. With David Warner now retired, selectors are debating who should partner Usman Khawaja at the top.
Teenage sensation Sam Konstas impressed during the recent series win over India but may be deemed too inexperienced to open in English conditions. Travis Head, who opened in Sri Lanka, is likely to return to his preferred No.5 slot. There has been speculation that Marnus Labuschagne might be pushed up the order to open, creating space for a more stable middle order.
Vice-captain Steve Smith, along with the experienced Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc, form the core of a team seeking back-to-back titles. Brendan Doggett has been named as a traveling reserve.
Australia Squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.
Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett.
South Africa’s Squad and Fast Bowling Firepower
South Africa’s 16-man squad highlights their intent to challenge Australia’s supremacy with pace. The biggest headline is the return of fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who joins a potent attack featuring Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Dane Paterson. Rabada returns from a suspension and is expected to spearhead the bowling unit.
Temba Bavuma leads the side, and while the Proteas boast depth in the bowling department, questions remain over their batting lineup, especially the opening combination. Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, and Ryan Rickelton have all opened recently, but a definitive choice has yet to emerge.
In the middle order, players like David Bedingham and Tristan Stubbs are relatively untested at this level, putting the spotlight on Bavuma and Markram to anchor the innings. Keshav Maharaj is the lone frontline spinner in the squad, but with English conditions expected to favour seamers, it remains uncertain if he will make the final XI.
South Africa Squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Kyle Verreynne, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson.
What’s at Stake
For South Africa, this match is a landmark opportunity to capture their first ICC title in the longest format. For Australia, it’s a chance to further cement their legacy and retain the WTC mace. The contrasting dynamics — Australia’s experience and South Africa’s hunger — make this a compelling contest.
South Africa’s confidence is bolstered by Kagiso Rabada’s assertion that they know how to beat Australia in Tests, citing past successes against the Baggy Greens. However, former cricketer Jonty Rhodes cautions that despite a formidable pace attack, South Africa may not have an edge over Australia, who are adept at handling pace.
With selection dilemmas and form concerns on both sides, the WTC Final promises to be a closely fought encounter when the two sides face off at the Home of Cricket from June 11 to 15.
