Kagiso Rabada has been named in South Africa’s squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s after serving his suspension for testing positive for a banned substance.
The fast bowler spent a month on the sidelines at the Indian Premier League after returning an adverse finding for a recreational drug.
Rabada is likely to lead the bowling attack at Lord’s alongside seamers Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi and Dane Paterson, with Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy the spin options.
Proteas captain Temba Bavuma leads the list of batters along with Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham, while Kyle Verreynne is the specialist wicketkeeper in the squad.
“Over the past 18 months, we’ve worked hard to build a competitive red-ball unit,” South Africa coach Shukri Conrad said.
“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.”
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South Africa guaranteed their place in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s after a two-wicket victory over Pakistan at Centurion in December
South Africa reached the World Test Championship final after finishing top of the table with eight wins from 12 matches.
They will play a four-day warm-up fixture against Zimbabwe at Arundel from June 3 to June 6 before travelling to London.
Cummins, Hazelwood, Green return for Australia
Pat Cummins will captain Australia in the World Test Championship final against South Africa
Captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Cameron Green were all named to return from injury in Australia’s squad for the World Test Championship final at Lord’s.
All-rounder Green has not played for Australia since September following back surgery, but has been playing as a batter only for Gloucestershire with a century in his first innings followed by a string of low scores.
Cummins missed the two-Test tour of Sri Lanka at the start of the year with an ankle issue, while fellow pace bowler Hazlewood missed that series after picking up a side strain during the previous series against India. He has also been sidelined by a shoulder problem.
Chairman of selectors George Bailey admitted Australia were “fortunate” to welcome the trio back.
He said: “It means a lot to the group to reach the final and they are very much looking forward to the challenge South Africa will present at Lord’s.”
Australia take on South Africa at Lord’s from June 11 to 15 with the same squad then heading to the West Indies for a three-Test series.
World Test Championship 2023-25
England men Test matches this summer ☀️
All games at 11am UK and Ireland; all live on Sky Sports
- vs Zimbabwe: Thursday May 22-Sunday May 25 – Trent Bridge
- vs India: Friday June 20-Tuesday June 24 – Headingley
- vs India: Wednesday July 2-Sunday July 6 – Edgbaston
- vs India: Thursday July 10-Monday July 14 – Lord’s
- vs India: Wednesday July 23-Sunday July 27 – Emirates Old Trafford
- vs India: Thursday July 31-Monday August 4 – The Kia Oval
Ashes series in Australia 2025-26 🏏
All times UK and Ireland
- First Test: Friday November 21-Tuesday November 25 (2.30am) – Optus Stadium, Perth
- Second Test: Thursday December 4-Monday December 8 (4.30am) – The Gabba, Brisbane
- Third Test: Wednesday December 17-Sunday December 21 (12am) – Adelaide Oval
- Fourth Test: Thursday December 25-Monday December 29 (11.30pm) – Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Fifth Test: Sunday January 4-Thursday January 8 (11.30pm) – Sydney Cricket Ground
