The stage is set for the ICC World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia, starting June 11 at Lord’s in England. South Africa has announced its playing XI for the title clash.
Ryann Rickelton and Aiden Markram will open the innings for the Proteas, followed by captain Temba Bavuma at number three. Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham will bat at four and five, respectively. Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne takes the sixth spot, with two all-rounders to follow.
Viyand Mulder, who offers both medium-pace bowling and batting, will come in at seven. Fast-bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen, known for his left-arm pace and batting skills, will bat at eight.
The spin department is led by Keshav Maharaj, with only one spinner included in the final XI due to the pitch conditions. The two main fast bowlers are Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada, both known for their deadly pace.
South Africa’s playing XI is as follows:
Ryann Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (captain), Viyand Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi.
On the other side, Australia’s team includes Usman Khawaja, Sam Conway, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, and Matthew Kuhnemann.
The ICC World Test Championship final will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network in India, with live streaming available on the JioHotstar website and app. The match will take place from June 11 to 15, starting at 3:30 PM IST, with June 16 reserved as a backup day.