South Africa have made two key selection calls for their historic World Test Championship final against Australia, confirming Lungi Ngidi as their third seamer and backing all-rounder Wiaan Mulder to anchor the top order at No.3.
The Proteas have opted for Ngidi’s extra height and bounce over the more consistent Dane Paterson, completing a three-man pace battery alongside Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. Ngidi, who last played a Test match in August 2023, gets the nod despite Paterson’s six-wicket haul against Pakistan in December.
Captain Temba Bavuma acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but emphasised the tactical advantage of Ngidi’s steep bounce at Lord’s: "Lungi brings a different dimension with his natural length and pace. It was a tough call on Pato, but we believe this attack gives us the best chance against Australia’s strong batting lineup."
The WTC final will be played at Lord’s from June 11, with South Africa, the team that finished on top of the table, facing defending champions Australia, led by Pat Cummins.
All-Rounder Mulder handed No.3 role
In another surprise move, Wiaan Mulder has been elevated to No.3, marking a shift from his usual middle-order role. The 26-year-old, primarily considered a bowling all-rounder, averages 37.12 in first-class cricket. He has played 18 Tests, scoring 589 runs at 22.65, but has batted above No.6 just twice - against Sri Lanka at Durban and versus Pakistan at Cape Town. He made 15 and 5 in the two innings.
"Wiaan has the technique and temperament for this challenge," Bavuma said. "His ability to bowl handy overs also gives us the balance we need in a high-pressure game."
Ryan Rickleton will open the batting alongside Aiden Markram, with Bavuma at four. Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham will control the middle order, while Keshav Maharaj is the sole spinner in the XI.
South Africa’s XI for WTC final:
Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
