South Africa announce Playing XI for WTC Final vs Australia | Cricket News

Temba Bavuma (Image credit score: ICC)

NEW DELHI: South Africa have unveiled a powerful enjoying XI for their much-anticipated World Test Championship Final conflict in opposition to Australia in what’s being billed because the Ultimate Test. The match begins on Wednesday. Captain Temba Bavuma introduced the lineup, which displays a well-balanced squad full of depth in each batting and bowling. This marks South Africa’s maiden look in a WTC Final.At the highest of the batting order is Ryan Rickelton, the main run-scorer for South Africa within the WTC 2023–25 cycle. He is joined by Bavuma — not far behind within the scoring charts — together with Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs.One notable choice is Wiaan Mulder at No. 3 — a continuation of his current function in Tests in opposition to Sri Lanka and Pakistan.“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, keep backing him and just allowing him to do what he does best.“He has a chance in a stress state of affairs, however I believe he can take consolation from the truth that the blokes are backing him. We simply need him to play his sport.”While Keshav Maharaj slots in as the only specialist spinner, the Proteas pace attack features Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi.Dane Paterson, who had impressed during South Africa’s previous series against Pakistan, misses out. Bavuma explained the decision to pick Ngidi instead.“Probably one of many more durable choices that has been made. We see what Dane Paterson did for us to the tip of final season,” Bavuma said.“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 additionally has a greater document, not taking away something from Patto. He (Ngidi) has the expertise, he is performed right here earlier than, 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 in all probability one of many tough resolution we needed to make.”South Africa Playing XI: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.