South Africa has announced their final squad for the upcoming tournament, with star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada included. Fans are excited as Rabada is set to lead the bowling attack. The team looks strong and ready for action!
Rabada’s Drug Ban Lifted Before Final Squad Announcement
South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is officially back in the national team. After serving a one-month suspension for testing positive for a banned substance, Rabada has now been named in South Africa’s final squad for the ICC World Test Championship final.
The final match of the World Test Championship will take place at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London starting June 11. Australia had already announced their squad earlier in the day, and now South Africa has revealed theirs, which includes Rabada.
The Drug Case and Suspension Details
Rabada’s troubles began when a doping test during the South African T20 League, conducted on January 21, found traces of cocaine in his system. The results were made public in April, leading to an immediate one-month ban. Because of this ban, Rabada missed all of April’s matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
However, he returned to IPL action in May and personally confirmed his ban in a public statement. His situation could have been worse, but his legal team managed to argue in court that the drug was consumed in small quantities before the league started and that it was not a regular habit. Their defense helped him avoid a much longer suspension.
Still, Rabada refused a second drug test, which caused some controversy. Former Australian captain Tim Paine strongly criticized the decision to include Rabada in the WTC final squad, saying he should not be allowed to play. Despite that, South Africa stood by Rabada and included him.
Full Squad Announced – Bavuma to Lead
Temba Bavuma has been confirmed as the captain of the South African side. The pace attack looks strong with Lungi Ngidi, Marco Janssen, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, and Rabada. The spin department features Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy.
The selectors have also picked in-form players like Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, and Corbin Bosch who have impressed in the IPL. The squad reflects a mix of experience and young talent as South Africa prepares for their first-ever World Test Championship final.
South Africa’s WTC Journey – Top of the Table
South Africa performed very well in the 2023-2025 World Test Championship cycle. They finished on top of the table with a points percentage of 69.44, slightly ahead of Australia who had a 67.54 percentage. This is the first time South Africa will be playing in the WTC final.
The team is full of energy and determination as they aim to win their first major ICC title in many years. With Rabada back and the squad in good shape, South Africa will hope to make history at Lord’s in June.
South Africa’s Full Squad for WTC Final
- Captain: Temba Bavuma
- Batsmen: Aiden Markram, David Bedingham, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs
- All-rounders: Wiaan Mulder, Marco Janssen, Tony de Zorzi
- Fast Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch
- Spinners: Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy
- Wicketkeepers: Kyle Verraynne, Dane Petersen
With the final fast approaching, fans around the world are excited to see South Africa and Australia battle it out. All eyes will be on Kagiso Rabada to see how he performs after a tough few months. South Africa is ready – now it’s time to bring the heat to Lord’s!