South Africa has unveiled their 15-man squad for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at Lord's, starting June 11. The team includes a returning Lungi Ngidi, who last featured in a Test nine months ago, and Corbin Bosch, whose debut heroics have earned him another call-up. Dane Paterson retains his place after an impressive comeback last summer.

The notable exclusions are Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee, and Nandre Burger. Coetzee, with 14 wickets in just four Tests at an average of 23.57, can feel particularly hard done by. Nortje hasn't played Test cricket since March 2023 and is now focusing on T20 franchise cricket, having opted out of a national contract. Burger, though impressive in his three Tests, is still finding his feet at this level.

Kagiso Rabada has been retained despite a recent drugs controversy that led to a one-month suspension earlier this year. He returned from the IPL in April to serve his ban and is back leading the Proteas' bowling attack.

Ngidi, who missed the home series against Pakistan due to a groin injury, is set to return after a long layoff. Paterson, who delivered two five-wicket hauls last summer, strengthens the pace department and brings the added advantage of currently playing county cricket for Middlesex at Lord’s.

Bosch’s inclusion continues his fairytale start to Test cricket, having taken a wicket with his first ball and scoring a match-winning 81* against Pakistan. His all-round performance was instrumental in sealing South Africa’s spot in the WTC final.

Eight members of the squad are currently participating in the Indian Premier League, which concludes on June 3—just days before the final. The team will gather in Arundel on May 31 and play a warm-up match against Zimbabwe from June 3 to 6.

South Africa WTC Final Squad:
Temba Bavuma (capt), 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