The countdown has begun for the ICC World Test Championship Final, where defending champions Australia will take on first-time finalists South Africa at Lord’s on June 11.
Australia’s squad features several notable changes, including the return of pace-bowling all-rounder Cameron Green and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who is back from injury. Uncapped opener Sam Konstas earns a surprise inclusion following his strong performances on the Sri Lanka tour, while all-rounder Beau Webster and spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, who recently passed a bowling action reassessment, also make the cut.
South Africa has welcomed back premier pacer Kagiso Rabada after serving a one-month suspension. Lungi Ngidi retains his place, but the pace trio of Anrich Nortje, Nandre Burger, and Gerald Coetzee has been omitted. Captain Temba Bavuma leads a well-balanced squad that includes promising talents like Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs.
South Africa’s preparations may be impacted by scheduling overlaps with the Indian Premier League (IPL), as up to eight squad members could still be participating in the tournament when national training begins on May 31. A warm-up match against Zimbabwe is set for June 3.
While South Africa eyes its maiden Test Championship title, Australia will look to defend their crown and maintain their dominance in red-ball cricket. Previous champions New Zealand failed to qualify for this edition’s final, and India, a two-time finalist, remains without a title.
Australia Squad:
Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.
Traveling reserve: Brendan Doggett
South Africa Squad:
Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Dean Petersen, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne.
