Shukri Conrad names Proteas squad for Test final against Australia

Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad has named a familiar-looking 15-man squad for the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s in London next month.

Temba Bavuma will lead a side that welcomes back Lungi Ngidi, who returns to the Test fold for the first time since October 2024, Kagiso Rabada, who recently served a one-month suspension for drug use, and veteran seamer Dane Paterson.

All-rounders Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder and Corbin Bosch are also in the squad, as are spinners Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy.

The batting department is also stacked. Besides Bavuma, who’s set to play at three or four in the batting order, the squad includes Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham. Kyle Verreynne will be the wicket-keeper.

The final against Australia will take place at Lord’s between 11 and 15 June.

‘Consistency in selection’

Conrad congratulated the players for being selected for the 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 to 6 June, before heading to London on 7 June.

South Africa squad

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