Australia have officially named their squad for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa, set to take place at Lord’s from June 11, followed by a three-Test tour of the Caribbean.
Cameron Green Returns, Kuhnemann Included
Cameron Green has made a comeback to the Test squad after recovering from back surgery. Also making the cut is spinner Matt Kuhnemann, as selectors revealed a strong 15-player squad on Tuesday.
There were no big surprises, with most players retained from the side that defeated Sri Lanka 2-0 and India 3-1 last summer.
Brendan Doggett Named as Travelling Reserve
Brendan Doggett, who starred in the Sheffield Shield final, has been rewarded with a place as the travelling reserve. The main squad, however, remains largely unchanged and experienced.
Cummins and Hazlewood Fit Again
Skipper Pat Cummins and pacer Josh Hazlewood are both fit and available after recovering from injuries that had kept them out of the Sri Lanka tour and Champions Trophy earlier in the year. They recently returned to competitive cricket via the IPL.
A Chance to Make History
Australia is aiming to become the first team to win the WTC final twice, having previously lifted the trophy in 2023. Their opponents, South Africa, finished the WTC cycle at the top of the table with a 69.44% points percentage, while Australia followed closely with 67.54%.
A Consistent Run to the Final
During the WTC cycle, Australia secured victories in four out of six series, including:
- A 2-2 draw against England in the 2023 Ashes
- A 1-1 draw with West Indies during the 2023-24 home season
- A historic Test series win over India for the first time in a decade
- A strong performance in Sri Lanka
Selectors Look Ahead to the Caribbean
The same squad will also travel to the West Indies for the three-match Test series following the WTC final. Beau Webster remains the preferred all-rounder, and Sam Konstas returns after completing the domestic season with New South Wales.
What George Bailey Said
Chair of Selectors George Bailey praised the team’s consistency:
“The team ended the WTC cycle with an impressive series win in Sri Lanka, along with a strong summer against India. This gives us a fantastic opportunity to defend the WTC title.”
He added,
“The players are excited to face South Africa at Lord’s and are fully focused on the challenge ahead.”
Australia Squad for WTC Final & West Indies Tour
- 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
Australia’s journey to defend their WTC crown begins June 11 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, as they prepare for a high-stakes showdown against a strong South African side.
