Samira Vishwas
Tezzbuzz|11-06-2025
The South African captain, Temba Bavuma, has unveiled a strong playing 11 for their much-anticipated World Test Championship Final clash against Australia at Lord’s.
South Africa’s Batting unit will be opened by left-handed opener Ryan Rickelton, along with Aiden Markram. However, there is a notable change where all-rounder Wiaan Mulder will be batting at the No.3 Position.
“Mulder is quite young in that position. But I think having played with Mulder, having seen him and the way he has grown in the last two years within the red-ball format,” Bavuma said.
“It’s about giving him a lot more confidence, keeping backing him, and just allowing him to do what he does best.
“He has an opportunity in a pressure situation, but I think he can take comfort from the fact that the guys are backing him. We just want him to play his game.”
With Keshav Maharaj as full time spinner, the bowling line up features Kagiso Rabada, Marco Janse and Lungi Ngidi.
“Probably one of the tougher decisions that has been made. We see what Dane Paterson did for us to the end of last season,” Bavuma added.
“But it was more from a tactical point of view. Probably a little bit more pace from Lungi, guess he’s a bit taller as well.
“Lungi also has a better record, not taking away anything from Patto. He (Ngidi) has the experience, he’s played here before, not that Patto hasn’t.
“But I think he (Ngidi) will complement that bowling attack a little more. We have a guy like Mulder, who can give us something similar like Patto.
“It was probably one of the difficult decision we had to make.” South Africa has reached the WTC finals after topping the standings and will be facing the defending champions on the high octane contest which begins on June 11 at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
South Africa Playing 11 for WTC Finals: Temba Bavuma (C), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verrynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, More Id.