Joe Root (Reuters Photo)
England have announced a 15-member squad for their three-match Test series against South Africa, which will be part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC). Joe Root will captain the side, while Liam Patterson-White has received his maiden Test call-up following an impressive County Championship season in 2026. He also confirmed two changes from the squad that defeated Pakistan 3-0 in the home summer series, with Patterson-White earning his first call-up and Bethell returning from injury.
Patterson-White was the most successful spinner in the competition, earning him a place in the squad. Jacob Bethell has also returned after recovering from a knee injury.
Explaining the selection, national selector Marcus North said the team was prepared for a tough challenge against the reigning World Test champions. “We have selected a strong and balanced squad that is ready for the challenge of facing a South African team that are ICC Test World Champions and who returned to the top of the ICC Test rankings following their recent 2-1 series win over Australia,” North said. England’s pace attack includes Jofra Archer , Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson, Sam Cook and Sonny Baker.
WTC standings and series schedule
The second Test will be played in Centurion from December 26 to 30, while the final match is scheduled in Cape Town from January 3 to 7.