Australia Announces Squad for WTC Final Against South Africa
Australia's Squad for the WTC Final
The reigning champions of the World Test Championship (WTC), Australia, have officially announced their team to compete against South Africa in the upcoming WTC finals scheduled for next month at Lord's, according to a statement from Cricket Australia.
Cameron Green is set to make his return to the Test lineup following back surgery, and spinner Matt Kuhnemann has also been included. The announcement was made on Tuesday as Australia prepares for both the WTC defense and their subsequent tour of the Caribbean.
Brendan Doggett, who was named the Sheffield Shield player of the final, will serve as a traveling reserve for the 15-player squad, which largely mirrors the group that achieved victories over Sri Lanka (2-0) and India (3-1) last summer.
Pat Cummins' team aims to become the first nation to secure multiple WTC titles when they face South Africa at Lord's starting June 11.
Hazlewood Returns for the Final
Both Cummins and Hazlewood have recovered from injuries that sidelined them during the Sri Lanka tour and the Champions Trophy earlier this year, with their return facilitated through participation in the Indian Premier League.
Performance of the Finalists
Australia secured four victories out of six series to earn a place in their second consecutive WTC final. They also drew 2-2 with England in the 2023 Ashes and 1-1 with the West Indies during the 2023-24 home summer.
South Africa led the standings with eight wins from 12 Tests, achieving a points percentage of 69.44, while Australia followed closely with a 67.54 percentage from 13 wins in 19 matches.
Selection chair George Bailey remarked, 'The team concluded the WTC cycle with a commendable series win in Sri Lanka, following a strong summer where they defeated India for the first time in a decade. These series showcased consistent performance throughout the two-year cycle and now presents us with an exciting opportunity to defend the World Test Championship.'
'Reaching the final is significant for the group, and they are eagerly anticipating the challenge that South Africa will pose at Lord's,' Bailey added.
Australia's Squad Details
Selectors have maintained the same squad for three Tests in the Caribbean, with Beau Webster continuing as the preferred allrounder after a promising start to his Test career. Sam Konstas has also returned to the squad after leaving Sri Lanka early to complete the domestic season with New South Wales.
The Australian squad includes: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Beau Webster. Traveling reserve: Brendan Doggett.