Australia Announces Squad for World Test Championship Final, Star Players Return

Australia has announced a strong 15-member squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, with three star players returning from injury. Pat Cummins will lead the side as they prepare to face South Africa at Lord’s next month.

Experienced pacer Josh Hazlewood and all-rounder Cameron Green have returned after recovering from injuries. Cummins and Hazlewood missed the last Test series against Sri Lanka due to injury, while Green has been out of Test cricket for over a year following back surgery. All three have been named in the squad for the all-important final.

After winning the WTC title against India at The Oval in 2023, Australia will now look to defend their crown. The final begins on June 11 at Lord’s, and Australia has named a full-strength squad for the occasion. Pat Cummins will lead the bowling attack alongside Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Josh Hazlewood, with Nathan Lyon and Matt Kuhnemann handling the spin department.

Young talent Sam Konstas has earned a spot in the squad. In the batting line-up, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Josh Inglis will compete for places, while Cameron Green and all-rounder Beau Webster add depth.

Alex Carey remains the first-choice wicketkeeper, with Josh Inglis named as his backup. Brendan Doggett will travel with the squad as a reserve. This same squad will also tour the Caribbean for a three-match Test series against West Indies starting June 26.

Chief Selector George Bailey expressed confidence in the squad, stating that it has the perfect balance to defend the WTC title.

“It’s great to have Pat, Josh, and Cameron Green back in the squad. The team ended the WTC cycle strongly with a fantastic series win in Sri Lanka and a home series win over India after 10 years,” Bailey said.

“This consistent performance has earned us a second consecutive spot in the final. Playing South Africa at Lord’s will be a huge challenge and honor for the team.”

Australia may make changes to the squad before the final with the approval of the ICC’s Event Technical Committee.

Australia’s Squad for the WTC Final:

Pat Cummins (Captain)

Scott Boland

Alex Carey

Cameron Green

Josh Hazlewood

Travis Head

Josh Inglis

Usman Khawaja

Sam Konstas

Matt Kuhnemann

Marnus Labuschagne

Nathan Lyon

Steve Smith (Vice-Captain)

Mitchell Starc

Beau Webster

Traveling Reserve:Brendan Doggett