NEW DELHI: Australia captain Pat Cummins has announced his team’s playing XI for the ICC World Test Championship Final against South Africa, set to begin on Tuesday, June 11, at Lord’s, according to the ICC website.Former No.1-ranked Test batter Marnus Labuschagne has been promoted to open the innings alongside Usman Khawaja. In the pace department, Josh Hazlewood has been preferred over Scott Boland and will join Mitchell Starc and Cummins in leading the fast-bowling attack.All-rounder Cameron Green returns to the Test side for the first time since undergoing back surgery, while Beau Webster retains his place in the XI, offering additional bowling options with his medium pace and part-time spin.Cummins’ Australia will be aiming to defend the WTC mace, which they secured last year after defeating India in the final at The Oval in June 2023.Australia have enjoyed a dominant run in the current WTC cycle, remaining unbeaten in Test series over the past two years. During this period, they claimed away wins in New Zealand and Sri Lanka, retained the Ashes in England, and registered home victories against both Pakistan and India, along with a drawn series against the West Indies.This will be Australia’s second consecutive appearance in the WTC final, bringing valuable experience into the high-stakes contest. For South Africa, this marks their debut in a WTC final, and the Proteas will be eager to script a historic triumph in red-ball cricket.
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.
