Follow UsSouth Africa have made the bold call, and named Lungi Ngidi in their playing XI for the World Test Championship 2025 final, starting June 11 (Wednesday). While everyone expected the Proteas to pick either of Dane Paterson or Corbin Bosch to deepen their batting resources, they have instead decided to amp up their bowling unit.
Ngidi will form a pace troika alongside the returning Kagiso Rabada and the left-arm pacer Marco Jansen, with Keshav Maharaj expected to play the holding role. The left-arm spinner could come into play towards the last two days of the five-day clash at Lord’s, considering the dry surface.
"It was probably one of the tougher decisions that have been made, we've seen what 'Pato' [Paterson] did for us to the end of last season," Bavuma confirmed in the pre-match press conference.
"But it was more from a tactical point of view, a little bit more pace from Lungi, he's taller as well.
"Lungi also has a good record, not taking away anything from Pato, he has the experience, he's been here before, not that Paterson hasn't.”
"But [Ngidi] will complement that bowling attack a little bit more. We have a guy like Mulder as well, who gives you similar to what Paterson can do."
Wiaan Mulder is also all but confirmed to play at that crucial No.3 position to help the likes of Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham play with more freedom.
"Mulder is quite young in that position, but having played with Mulder, having seen the way he's grown in the last two years within the red-ball format, it's about giving him a lot more confidence, keep backing him and just allowing him to do what he does best," Bavuma said.
"He has an opportunity in a pressure situation, but he can take comfort from the fact that the guys are backing him, and we just want him to go out and play his game."
While it will be a second red-ball title for Australia in two campaigns, South Africa can break their ICC jinx, with a first title for the senior men’s team.
Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi