• Conrad sticks with core group for WTC final

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    Proteas coach Shukri Conrad has named a 15-man squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s from 11-15 June.

    Temba Bavuma will captain the side.

    The pace attack is spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson and Lungi Ngidi, who returns to the Test fold for the first time since October 2024. There is no room for Gerald Coetzee or Anrich Nortje.

    The two frontline spinners in the squad are Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy, with Dane Piedt missing out.

    The bowling unit is bolstered by all-rounders Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder and Corbin Bosch.

    There is a strong balance to the top order where batsmen Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham all feature, while one of the key players in helping the Proteas reach the final, Kyle Verreynne, is named as wicketkeeper.

    “Firstly, I want to congratulate each of the players selected for this squad,” said Conrad “It is a special moment for this group to contest the WTC final. Over the past 18 months, we’ve worked hard to build a competitive red-ball unit, and this achievement reflects that progress.

    “A key part of our success has been consistency in selection, and we’ve stuck with the core group of players who have been part of this WTC cycle. We’ve selected a balanced squad for the conditions we expect at Lord’s.

    “I’m particularly pleased to welcome Lungi back in the side. He’s put in the work and offers us an experienced option with the ball.”

    ALSO: Aussie big guns back for WTC final

    The squad will assemble in Arundel on 31 May and will play a warm-up match against Zimbabwe from 3-6 June, before heading to London on 7 June.

    Proteas Test squad: Temba Bavuma (c, Lions), David Bedingham (WP), Corbin Bosch (Titans), Tony de Zorzi (WP), Marco Jansen (Dragons), Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Titans), Wiaan Mulder (Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (Warriors), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Dane Paterson (WP), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Ryan Rickelton (Lions), Tristan Stubbs (Warriors), Kyle Verreynne (WP).

    Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

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    Simon Borchardt