Defending World Test Championship (WTC) title holders Australia have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming WTC final against South Africa, set to be played at Lord’s from June 11, Cricket Australia confirmed on Tuesday.
All-rounder Cameron Green makes a comeback to the Test setup after recovering from back surgery, while left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann has also earned a recall. Brendan Doggett, the standout performer in the Sheffield Shield final, has been included as a travelling reserve.
The squad, led by Pat Cummins, features no major surprises and closely mirrors the group that defeated Sri Lanka 2-0 and India 3-1 last season. Cummins and pace partner Josh Hazlewood, both of whom missed earlier tours due to injury, have returned to form via their IPL stints.
Australia will be aiming to make history by becoming the first team to win multiple WTC finals, following their 2023 victory. The current campaign saw Australia win four out of six series, including drawn series with England (2-2) in the Ashes and West Indies (1-1) during the home summer. They qualified for the final with 13 wins from 19 Tests and a points percentage of 67.54, narrowly behind South Africa’s 69.44%.
Selection chief George Bailey praised the team’s consistency throughout the two-year WTC cycle.
“The team finished the WTC cycle with an impressive series victory in Sri Lanka following an equally strong summer defeating India for the first time in a decade,” said Bailey.
“Now we have the incredibly exciting opportunity to defend the World Test Championship. The squad is motivated and ready for the challenge South Africa will present at Lord’s.”
The same squad will also tour the West Indies for a three-Test series following the WTC final. Beau Webster retains his spot as the preferred all-rounder, and Sam Konstas returns after rejoining NSW to finish the domestic season.
Australia’s Squad for WTC Final vs South Africa:
- 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
- Mitchell Starc
- Beau Webster
- Travelling Reserve: Brendan Doggett
Australia’s eyes are now set on defending their WTC crown as they prepare to clash with a formidable South African side in a high-stakes encounter at cricket’s most iconic venue.
