Wiaan Mulder backed to 'play his game' at number three in WTC Final at Lord's

The South Africa skipper announced his starting XI to reporters at the pre-match press-conference before the showpiece game that starts at Lord's on Wednesday.

The Proteas have tried a few options at number three in the last few Tests but Bavuma has backed Mulder  to just "play his game" even though the 27-year-old has only batted at number three twice in 29 Test innings.

"I think Mulder is quite young obviously in that position," Bavuma said. "But I think having played with Mulder, having seen him, the way he's kind of grown in the last two years within the red-ball family.

"It's about giving him a lot more confidence, keep backing him, and just allowing him to do what he does best.

"So, I mean, I think, yes, he has an opportunity in a pressure situation, but I think he can take comfort from the fact that the guys are backing him. We just want him to go out and play his game."

Ngidi was also included in the line-up despite the paceman having not played a Test match since August last year when he ran out against the West Indies in Port of Spain.

Paterson took back-back Test five-wicket hauls - against Sri Lanka and Pakistan - in December and Bavuma admitted it was one of the "tougher decisions" that had to be made.

"Yeah, I think, I mean, probably one of the tougher decisions that have been made," the Proteas skipper said. "We've seen what Patto did for us towards 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. I guess he's taller as well. I think Lungs also has a good record, you know, not taking away anything from Patto.

"He has the experience he's paid here before, not that Patto hasn't. But I think he will complement that bowling attack.

"I guess, a little bit more. We have a guy like Mulder as well, who kind of gives you something similar to what Patto can do."

The rest of line-up chooses itself with no real surprises with Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram set to open the batting and Bavuma slotting in at number four.

Tristan Stubbs will follow his captain while David Bedingham completes the top six and wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne at seven.

Ngidi joins spearhead Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen in the pace attack while Keshav Maharaj is the sole spinner selected.

Proteas team for WTC Final: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (captain), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi