The anticipation for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final has intensified as both Australia and South Africa have officially announced their 15-member squads for the highly awaited showdown. Set to take place at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London from June 11 to 15, 2025, the final promises a riveting contest between two powerhouses of the game, each aiming to be crowned the champions of Test cricket.
Australia, the reigning WTC champions, have stuck to their core group while introducing some fresh names to bolster their lineup. Captain Pat Cummins will once again lead the side, supported by seasoned campaigners such as Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, and Marnus Labuschagne. Travis Head, who played a match-winning role in the previous final against India, retains his place in the middle order. The return of Josh Hazlewood and all-rounder Cameron Green from injury provides a much-needed boost to both the bowling and batting departments. Green is anticipated to play in the top order, potentially as an opener, a strategic shift that underscores Australia’s adaptability.
The selectors have also shown faith in youth by including 19-year-old Sam Konstas, a talented batter who has impressed in domestic cricket. While his role in the playing XI is still uncertain, his inclusion highlights the selectors’ vision for the future. Left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann and off-spinner Nathan Lyon offer variety in the spin department, with Lyon’s experience likely to be vital on the potentially dry Lord’s pitch. Seam options include Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and the emerging Beau Webster, all of whom bring distinct skills to the table. Wicketkeeping duties will be shared between Alex Carey and Josh Inglis, both offering flexibility behind the stumps and with the bat.
Australia’s full squad: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith (vc), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sam Konstas, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Matt Kuhnemann, Beau Webster. Brendan Doggett will travel as a reserve.
South Africa, on the other hand, enter their first WTC final with a blend of experienced professionals and emerging stars. Temba Bavuma will lead the side, supported by a top-order lineup featuring Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, and Ryan Rickelton. The Proteas’ batting unit is deep and balanced, with David Bedingham and Tristan Stubbs adding middle-order firepower. The return of Lungi Ngidi alongside the ever-reliable Kagiso Rabada fortifies the pace battery, which has long been South Africa’s strength in the longest format.
All-rounders Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder provide crucial flexibility, offering balance between bat and ball. Keshav Maharaj will likely lead the spin attack, supported by Senuran Muthusamy, while Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson round out a well-constructed pace unit. The team’s composition reflects a clear strategy aimed at matching Australia’s pace and adapting to the conditions at Lord’s.
South Africa’s squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Corbin Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson.
With both teams finalizing their lineups, the countdown to the WTC Final has well and truly begun. Australia will look to defend their title and reinforce their dominance in the red-ball format, while South Africa aim to etch their name into cricketing history with a maiden WTC triumph. The clash at Lord’s is expected to be a fiercely competitive affair, marked by high-quality performances and tactical battles. Fans around the world will be watching closely as the best in Test cricket prepare for one final battle to determine the ultimate champions.
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