Australia announces squad for WTC final against South Africa

ANI May 13, 2025 213 views

Australia has announced their squad for the WTC final against South Africa at Lord's next month. Key players like Cummins, Green, and Hazlewood return from injuries to bolster the defending champions. The team aims to become the first nation to win multiple WTC titles. South Africa, who topped the standings, will present a tough challenge in the June showdown.

"The team finished the WTC cycle with an impressive series victory in Sri Lanka following an equally strong summer in defeating India for the first time in a decade." - George Bailey
New Delhi May 13: Defending champions of the World Test Championship (WTC), Australia, named their squad to face South Africa in the WTC finals next month at Lord's, as per a release from Cricket Australia.

Key Points

1

Cameron Green returns after back surgery

2

Pat Cummins and Hazlewood back from injuries

3

Australia seeks second WTC title

4

South Africa topped WTC standings

Cameron Green's return to the Test squad after back surgery has been confirmed, with spinner Matt Kuhnemann also included, as Australia revealed their squad for their WTC defence and subsequent Caribbean tour on Tuesday.

Sheffield Shield player of the final, Brendan Doggett, has been named a travelling reserve for the 15-player squad, which otherwise features no major surprises from outside the group that beat Sri Lanka 2-0 and India 3-1 last summer.

Pat Cummins' side is seeking to become the first nation to win multiple WTC finals when it faces South Africa at Lord's from June 11.

Cummins and Hazlewood have overcome injuries that kept them out of the Sri Lanka tour and the Champions Trophy earlier in the year, with both returning to action via the Indian Premier League.

Australia won four of its six series to clinch a spot in its second straight WTC final. It also drew 2-2 with England in the 2023 Ashes and 1-1 with West Indies during the 2023-24 home summer.

South Africa topped the standings with eight wins from 12 Tests for a points percentage of 69.44, while Australia's was 67.54 with 13 wins from 19 matches.

"The team finished the WTC cycle with an impressive series victory in Sri Lanka following an equally strong summer in defeating India for the first time in a decade," selection chair George Bailey said.

"Those series capped a consistent performance across the two-year cycle and now presents us with the incredibly exciting opportunity to defend the World Test Championship."

"It means a lot to the group to reach the final, and they are very much looking forward to the challenge South Africa will present at Lord's," Bailey added.

Selectors have opted for the same squad for three Tests in the Caribbean with Beau Webster retained as the preferred allrounder following a strong start to his Test career, while Sam Konstas is back in the mix after leaving Sri Lanka early to finish the domestic season with NSW.

Australia squad for WTC final: 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, Beau Webster. Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett.

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
Strong squad from Australia as expected! But honestly, after what India did to them in our home series, I'm not sure they can handle quality spin. Their batting still looks vulnerable against turning tracks. Hope SA gives them a tough fight! 🇮🇳🏏
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Priya M.
Interesting to see Cameron Green back. He was impressive against us in BGT. But why no Maxwell? He's been in great form in IPL. Australia's middle order looks a bit shaky without him. #WTCFinal
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Arjun S.
As an Indian cricket fan, it's bittersweet seeing Australia in another WTC final while we're watching from home. Our team needs to be more consistent in Tests. That said, Cummins' leadership has been outstanding - something our team can learn from.
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Sneha P.
Good balanced squad but I feel they're missing a trick by not including another specialist spinner for Lord's. After watching Jadeja-Ashwin dominate there, Kuhnemann alone might not be enough. SA's Maharaj could outbowl him! 😅
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Vikram J.
Australia's pace attack is scary - Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood all fit and firing after IPL. But their batting relies too much on Smith and Labuschagne. If SA can get these two early, it could be game over. Rabada vs Smith will be 🔥!
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Neha R.
While I respect Australia's consistency, it's disappointing that the WTC final is again in England. Why not rotate venues? India or Australia would be perfect neutral venues with great crowds. ICC needs to think beyond Lord's for these big matches.

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Tags:
WTC final Australia cricket South Africa Pat Cummins Cameron Green Josh Hazlewood Lord's