Ngidi picked over Paterson as SA finalise squad for World Test Championship final

Lungi Ngidi has cracked the nod for the World Test Championship (WTC) final over Dane Paterson as the Proteas prepare to do battle with Australia on Wednesday at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Ngidi will steam in alongside Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen as the quicks, while Keshav Maharaj will provide support with his left-arm orthodox spin.

“I mean, probably one of the tougher decisions that have been made,” Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma said at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday about the decision to choose Ngidi ahead of Paterson.

“We’ve seen what Patto did for us toward the end of last season. But I think it was more from a tactical point of view, probably a little bit more pace from Lungi, comes from a taller angle.

“I think Lungs also has a good record, not taking away anything from Patto. He has the experience, he’s played here before, not that Patto hasn’t. But I think he will complement that bowling attack a little bit more.”

The other big decision for the Proteas to make was who would bat at the crucial No 3 spot. They have opted for all-rounder Wiaan Mulder to come in after Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton, who will open the batting.

Mulder also offers medium pace bowling as a fourth seamer option for Bavuma.

“We have a guy like Mulder as well who kind of gives you something similar to what Patto can do,” the captain said.

The rest of the batting lineup is as expected with Bavuma saying he would come in at four followed by Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham, with keeper Kyle Verreynne coming in at seven.

Aussie XI

The Australians also have an all-rounder at No 3 with Cameron Green slotted to come in at first-drop. Green, however, won’t play a role with the ball as he continues to recover from a back injury.

Marnus Labuschagne, whose position in the side has been under fire, will move one position up from his normal spot to accommodate Green and open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja.

The rest of the lineup is filled with superstars, with Steve Smith and Travis Head holding up the middle order and all-rounder Beau Webster slated to come in at six.

Alex Carey will keep wickets and bat at seven. Australia’s bowlers are their reliable group, consisting of skipper Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood.

“There’s a few unknowns,” Cummins said about what he expects from the Proteas at the pre-match press conference.

“We’ve probably played about half the guys before, but half the guys we haven’t… which is exciting. Their bowlers we have seen a little bit of and are an obvious threat.” DM