Australia is all set for a massive showdown as they gear up to defend their World Test Championship (WTC) title. With key players like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood back from injury and some fresh faces included, the squad looks balanced and ready to face South Africa at Lord’s this June.

Quick Read:

• Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood return from injury after missing the Sri Lanka tour and Champions Trophy.
• Australia qualified for the WTC final after a strong run, including wins over India and Sri Lanka.
• Cameron Green returns to the Test squad after back surgery.
• Spinner Matt Kuhnemann and allrounder Beau Webster named in the squad.
• Australia faces South Africa at Lord’s from June 11.
• South Africa topped the WTC table with a 69.44% points percentage; Australia followed with 67.54%.
• Brendan Doggett named as a travelling reserve.
• The same squad will also be used for the Caribbean tour.

Australia is once again knocking on the door of Test cricket history as they prepare to defend their World Test Championship title next month. Cricket Australia has officially named a powerful 15-man squad for the final against South Africa, set to be played at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground from June 11.

Among the most welcome sights for Aussie fans is the return of pace powerhouses Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Both had missed the Sri Lanka tour and the Champions Trophy earlier in the year due to injuries but have regained full fitness, thanks in part to their recent appearances in the Indian Premier League. Their return boosts an already strong lineup that has shown consistency throughout the WTC cycle.

Australia’s road to the final was paved with solid performances over two years. They won four out of their six WTC series, held England to a 2-2 draw in the high-profile 2023 Ashes, and managed a 1-1 result against the West Indies during their 2023-24 home season. With these results, the team secured a points percentage of 67.54—second only to South Africa’s 69.44%—to clinch a spot in the final.

Cameron Green also makes his comeback to the Test side after undergoing back surgery. His return adds more depth to the Australian middle order and provides an allrounder option with both bat and ball. Spin bowling duties will be bolstered by Matt Kuhnemann, who retains his place in the squad after some promising performances.

Meanwhile, Brendan Doggett, the Sheffield Shield Player of the Final, has been named as a travelling reserve. His inclusion indicates Australia’s commitment to rewarding strong domestic performances. Also continuing in the squad is Beau Webster, who has been retained as the preferred allrounder thanks to his impressive start in the Test arena.

Sam Konstas, who had to cut short his trip to Sri Lanka to rejoin domestic duties with New South Wales, also finds himself back in the mix, giving Australia added flexibility in the batting department.

Selection chair George Bailey expressed confidence in the squad, highlighting their consistency and resilience over the two-year WTC cycle.

> “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,” Bailey noted.

“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.”

He further emphasized how much the final means to the team, saying they are “very much looking forward to the challenge South Africa will present at Lord’s.”

Interestingly, selectors have opted to keep the same squad intact for the subsequent three-Test tour of the Caribbean. It’s a strategic move that not only ensures team stability but also rewards players who have performed consistently.

Full Squad for WTC Final and Caribbean Tour:

1. Pat Cummins (c)
2. Scott Boland
3. Alex Carey
4. Cameron Green
5. Josh Hazlewood
6. Travis Head
7. Josh Inglis
8. Usman Khawaja
9. Sam Konstas
10. Matt Kuhnemann
11. Marnus Labuschagne
12. Nathan Lyon
13. Steve Smith
14. Mitchell Starc
15. Beau Webster

Travelling Reserve: Brendan Doggett

With a chance to become the first nation to win multiple WTC titles, Australia is approaching this clash with confidence and clarity. All eyes will now be on Lord’s come June 11, where the Aussies will look to etch their name deeper into Test cricket history.