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Key Points

Australia captain Pat Cummins has announced his playing XI for the WTC final against South Africa, with Marnus Labuschagne promoted to open. Josh Hazlewood gets the nod over Scott Boland in the pace attack, while Cameron Green makes his comeback after injury. The Aussies, defending champions, enter the final unbeaten in Test series for two years. South Africa, making their WTC final debut, face a stern challenge against the experienced Australian side.

Key Points: Pat Cummins Reveals Australia XI for WTC Final vs South Africa

  • Labuschagne to open with Khawaja in reshuffled order
  • Hazlewood picked over Boland in pace attack
  • Green returns post-surgery for WTC decider
  • Australia eyes back-to-back WTC titles after 2023 win
2 min read

Austalia skipper Pat Cummins announces playing 11 for WTC final clash against South Africa

Australia captain Pat Cummins names Labuschagne as opener and Hazlewood over Boland in the playing XI for the WTC final against South Africa at Lord's.

"Australia hasn't lost a Test series in the past two years, winning away in New Zealand and Sri Lanka while retaining the Ashes in England in 2023. – ICC"

London June 10

Australia captain Pat Cummins has revealed his side's playing XI for the ICC World Test Championship clash against South Africa starting from June 11 at Lord's on Tuesday, according to the ICC website.

Former No. 1-ranked Test batter Marnus Labuschagne will be pushed up in the order to open alongside Usman Khawaja, while Josh Hazlewood won the race against Scott Boland to partner left-armer Mitchell Starc and Cummins in the pace attack.

All-rounder Cameron Green will play his first Test since back surgery, while Beau Webster retains his spot in the XI and will provide the bowlers some support with his medium pace and spin options.

Pat Cummins-led Australia will be looking to retain the mace that they claimed after defeating India in the previous edition of the World Test Championship Final at the Oval in June 2023.

Australia hasn't lost a Test series in the past two years, winning away in New Zealand and Sri Lanka while retaining the Ashes in England in 2023.

They also defeated Pakistan and India at home, along with a draw against the West Indies, to secure a spot in the WTC decider against the Proteas.

With Australia entering their second consecutive WTC final and South Africa making their first appearance, the stakes couldn't be higher.

Australia, led by Pat Cummins, come in with the experience of having won the title in 2023, while the Proteas are looking to script a new chapter in their red-ball history.

Australia playing 11: 1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Marnus Labuschagne, 3. Cameron Green, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Beau Webster, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Pat Cummins (c), 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Josh Hazlewood.

Australia Full squad for WTC final: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann. Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 authentic Indian perspective comments for the WTC final article:
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Rahul K.
Strong Aussie lineup as expected! But pushing Labuschagne to open is risky - he's their best batter at No.3. Hope our Indian team is taking notes for future WTC cycles. 🇮🇳🏏 #WTCFinal
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Priya M.
After what they did to us in last WTC final, I can't support Australia 😤 But their team selection looks balanced. That pace attack of Cummins-Starc-Hazlewood is deadly in English conditions.
A
Arjun S.
Interesting to see Cameron Green back after injury. He's the X-factor player who can change games. Hope South Africa puts up a good fight - Test cricket needs more competitive teams besides India, Australia and England.
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Sneha R.
Australia's consistency in Test cricket is admirable. They've been No.1 for so long while we Indians keep faltering in ICC finals. Need to learn from their ruthlessness! 😔
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Vikram J.
That bowling attack is scary good! But surprised they didn't pick Boland - he was brilliant in England last Ashes. Hope SA batsmen show some spine unlike our top order in last final.
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Neha P.
As an Indian cricket fan, it hurts to see Australia in another final while we're watching from home. But credit where due - their Test team culture is world class. Hope Dravid and Rohit are building something similar for us.

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