WTC 2025 Final: Take a look at playing XIs of Australia and South Africa

Selection conjecture surrounding both Australia and South Africa’s Playing XIs have been put to rest. As the World Test Championship finalists finish off their preparation, the two competing teams have named their XIs.

The nations will face off for the coveted mace in what stands to be one of the most important Test matches these players will ever be a part of. Just ask some of the South Africans.

It ends what was a gripping World Test Championship cycle, where the Proteas won seven straight Test matches to seal their spot in the decider, while Australia will look to become the first team to claim back-to-back championships, with the concept commencing in 2019.

South Africa XI

1. Aiden Markram, 2. Ryan Rickelton, 3. Wiaan Mulder, 4. Temba Bavuma (c), 5. Tristan Stubbs, 6. David Bedingham, 7. Kyle Verreynne (wk), 8. Marco Jansen, 9. Keshav Maharaj, 10. Kagiso Rabada, 11. Lungi Ngidi

Ryan Rickelton headlines a batting order full of fire power. He’ll open alongside Aiden Markram, with Wiaan Mulder getting the nod at three.

In the bowling department, experience worked in the favour of Lungi Ngidi, who will join spearhead Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and spinner Keshav Maharaj. Ngidi beat out Dane Paterson, who played five Tests in this current World Test Championship cycle.

Australia XI

1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Marnus Labuschagne, 3. Cameron Green, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Beau Webster, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Pat Cummins (c), 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Josh Hazlewood.

The defending champions have named a familiar lineup, with Josh Hazlewood propelled back into the bowling attack after niggling injuries interrupted his participation in the Border-Gavaskar Series over the summer down under. Scott Boland filled in admirably, earning Player of the Match honours in the fifth and final Test against India in Sydney, taking 10 total wickets.

Hazlewood joins captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and spinner Nathan Lyon as the recognised bowlers. They will also be supported by Beau Webster, who earned all-rounder duties after his impressive display in Sydney and then in the two-Test series in Sri Lanka.

Marnus Labuschagne has moved up the order to open alongside Usman Khawaja, while Cameron Green will return to the mix at first-drop after his extensive layoff following a stress fracture in his lower back which required surgery. The West Australian has been picked as a designated batter.

(With inputs from ICC website)