South Africa and Australia announce squads for WTC final 2025 at Lord’s

The stage is set for the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, with South Africa and Australia unveiling their 15-member squads for the highly anticipated clash at Lord’s, beginning June 11.

Australia Welcome Back Key Players

Australia have recalled several big names for the showdown, including skipper Pat Cummins, pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood, and all-rounder Cameron Green, all returning from injury layoffs. Green, however, won’t be available as a bowling option due to his recent back surgery, potentially impacting the team’s balance.

Also retaining his place is all-rounder Beau Webster, who impressed in his initial Test outings. Teen prodigy Sam Konstas, 19, keeps his spot after a standout performance in the series win over India, though questions remain about whether he’ll be trusted to open in English conditions.

Travis Head, who previously partnered Usman Khawaja at the top in Sri Lanka, is expected to drop back to his favored No.5 slot. Speculation suggests Marnus Labuschagne could shift up to open, providing experience and steadiness in the unfamiliar top-order role.

Australia Squad:

Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann.

Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett

Proteas Bring Back Ngidi, Face Selection Dilemmas

South Africa, meanwhile, have made a bold move by recalling fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, joining a pace-heavy lineup that includes Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Corbin Bosch. The return of Keshav Maharaj adds spin variety, although Lord’s typically offers more assistance to seamers.

The Proteas top order remains a talking point, with Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, and Ryan Rickelton all auditioning as openers during the recent home series against Pakistan. The middle-order spots are also yet to be firmly settled, making team selection a crucial pre-match decision.

South Africa Squad:

Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy.

Defending Champions Look to Retain the Mace

Australia enters the final as defending champions, having clinched the 2023 title with a dominant performance over India. A memorable moment from that final was Cameron Green’s stunning low catch to dismiss Shubman Gill, highlighting his fielding prowess.

As both teams finalize their combinations for the Lord’s finale, the focus now shifts to preparation and strategy. Will Australia retain their crown, or will the Proteas script history? All will be revealed from June 11.