Australia are the defending WTC champions. (PHOTO: Cricket Australia)Cricket Australia announced their 15-member squad on Tuesday for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. The WTC final for the current cycle (2023-25) will be played between defending champion Australia, which will take on South Africa in the title clash set to be played at Lord’s Stadium in London, starting June 11.
After missing Australia’s tour to Sri Lanka due to injuries, skipper Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are back to strengthen the Kangaroos squad. Cameron Green is also among the inclusions as the 6’4 is all set to make his first Test appearance in more than 12 months after recovering from back surgery.
Steve Smith, who led Australia in Sri Lanka, has been appointed Cummins’ deputy.
Brendan Doggett, Sheffield Shield player of the final, has been named as a travelling reserve for Australia, which features no major surprises from outside the group that beat Sri Lanka 2-0 and India 3-1 last summer.
Australia have also opted for the same squad for three Tests in the Caribbean before the WTC final, with all-rounder Beau Webster retained following a strong start to his Test career. Sam Konstas is back in the mix as well after leaving Sri Lanka early to finish the domestic season with NSW.
Selection Chair George Bailey believes Australia have a well-balanced squad at their disposal and is confident his side can claim back-to-back World Test Championship titles.
“We are fortunate and looking forward to having Pat (Cummins), Josh (Hazlewood) and Cam (Green) back in the squad,” Bailey said. “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.” he added.
According to the ICC, Australia can make changes to their squad prior to the final with approval from the ICC Event Technical Committee.
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.
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