Australia are the reigning World Test Championship title holders. They won the 2021-23 WTC and will contest the 2023-25 final with South Africa at Lord’s next month.
This is South Africa’s first WTC final. New Zealand won the inaugural title in 2021. India have ended in second position twice.
Australia currently occupy first position in the International Cricket Council’s rankings for Test teams. South Africa are in third position. England and India are in second and fourth position, respectively.
“I don’t think we need to do anything extraordinary to beat Australia,” said Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad.
“We’re not just happy to compete – we never only just wanted to make a final. But in order for you to win a final you need to be in it.
“When we play our best cricket we’ve every chance of beating Australia. I give us more than an even chance.”
South Africa and Australia have met 101 times in Test cricket. Australia have won 54. South Africa have won 26. They have shared 21 draws.
Their last 10 Test meetings have yielded five wins for South Africa and four for Australia – and one draw.
This WTC final will be the first time since 1912 South Africa and Australia have contested a Test at a neutral venue.
Conrad selected fast bowler Lungi Ngidi in the 15-man squad for the WTC final. Ngidi has been preferred to fellow fast bowlers Gerald Coetzee and Anrich Nortje.
“Pace is not critical, but we all enjoy sheer pace,” added Conrad.
“I genuinely believe someone like Lungi can be a massive asset for us there. He’s looking in great shape. He’s been training really well, and he brings experience to our line-up.
“Unfortunately, with Nortje, it didn’t pan out the way we had hoped. I don’t think he’s in any position, really, to be playing a Test. Gerald is also making his way back.”
The WTC final will start on 11 June.
South Africa squad for WTC final
- Temba Bavuma (captain)
- 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
- Kyle Verreynne
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