Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad is confident his squad has the right balance ahead of the ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia in June 2025 at Lord’s.
While injuries have influenced the selection, Conrad believes the players chosen are well-equipped for the one-off clash.
With fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee unavailable, Conrad confirmed that both were ruled out due to injuries.
“Unfortunately, with regards to Anna, it didn’t really pan out the way we had hoped. He was due to play in the Centurion Test match against Pakistan and then sustained the broken toe,” Conrad explained.
“With regards to Gerald, he’s making his way back as well from injury.”
He backed Corbin Bosch, who stepped in during the Pakistan series, stating: “What Corbin had done for us in the series against Pakistan, he provides really good cover… Corbin’s not lacking in pace, so I don’t think we compromised too much pace in that respect.”
Conrad also addressed the top-order selection, saying the decision to open with Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram has already been made.
“Ricks has nailed that down. So Ryan will be the opening bat with Aidan,” Conrad said. As for Tony de Zorzi and Wiaan Mulder, their positions may vary depending on conditions.
“Tony slots in at three, whether he slots in the middle order, I think conditions will determine all of that,” he added. Conrad also mentioned Mulder’s role: “Wiaan batting at three was not an experiment… he’s technically sound enough to bat at that position.”
Kagiso Rabada’s inclusion drew attention after he served a one-month suspension for a recreational drug offence. Conrad backed his star fast bowler fully.
“KG’s a big player wherever he goes in the world… not for one minute did I sit on tenterhooks worrying about whether he potentially will be available or not.” He added, “He served his sentence, and all that I’m interested in now is KG producing performances that we know he’s capable of.”
David Bedingham, who has recovered from a toe injury, is another key player in Conrad’s plans. “Bedders is pretty much ready to go,” the coach confirmed, adding that his return will strengthen the batting options significantly.
Experience was a key factor in picking the final 15-man squad, especially with the unique demands of Lord’s.
“I genuinely believe someone like Lungi can be a massive asset for us there,” Conrad said. “He’s looking in great shape, he’s been training really well, and he brings experience to our line-up as well.”
Conrad emphasized the importance of consistency in selection.
“That’s why the one thing I wanted to have in selection is consistency, and I think we’ve arrived at that.” Despite being labelled underdogs, he believes South Africa can win. “I’m very confident that when we play to our best, we’ve got every chance of beating them. We never only just wanted to make a final… I’ll give us a more than even chance of winning this Test match.”
With preparation already underway and a warm-up game against Zimbabwe scheduled, Conrad is optimistic.
“We’re not just happy to compete… we’ve got some high-level players, our bowling attack will always be threatening, and certainly we have in our batting line-up the ability to really put the Aussies under the pump.”
Conrad made it clear that this final is not just about redemption, but about proving South Africa’s place at the top level of Test cricket.
“Yes, I think it’s a great opportunity to show everybody in South Africa and the world that the Proteas Test team is a team that needs to be taken very seriously, and we belong at the main table.”
As the squad prepares for their biggest Test in years, Conrad remains clear and determined: “We’re just utterly excited… and I’ve got no doubt we’ll be able to deal with the pressures that the final brings.”
ICC World Test Championship Final 2025
11 – 15 June at 10:30 (11:30 SAST)
South Africa vs Australia – Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
