Australia name 15-man squad for WTC Final against South Africa, Cameron Green back

Australia have named a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 Final against South Africa, set to be played at the iconic Lord’s in London from June 11. The return of captain Pat Cummins, pace ace Josh Hazlewood, and all-rounder Cameron Green headlines the announcement as the Aussies look to defend the WTC title they won in 2023 against India.

Cummins, Hazlewood, and Green were all sidelined during Australia's recent Test series in Sri Lanka due to injuries, but are now fit. The squad is a mix of experience and firepower where Cummins leads a strong pace attack consisting of Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Hazlewood.

Veteran Nathan Lyon and left-armer Matt Kuhnemann will handle spin duties. The batting core remains the same and includes Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Josh Inglis. Young opener Sam Konstas and strong all-rounder Beau Webster have also been added to the roster. Selection Chair George Bailey mentioned the trio’s comeback and spoke about the honour of reaching the final second time in a row.

“We are fortunate and looking forward to having Pat (Cummins), Josh (Hazlewood), and Cam (Green) back in the squad. Means a lot to the group to reach the final, and they are very much looking forward to the challenge South Africa will present at Lord’s," Bailey said as quoted by a CA statement.

Notably, Green's selection is a major boost, especially after his successful return to county cricket following back surgery. Though not expected to bowl extensively just yet, his batting is expected to make a huge difference. Meanwhile, Webster has held his position as the squad’s primary seam-bowling all-rounder after a strong Test debut and county stint with Warwickshire.

Interestingly, selectors face a challenge in finalising the playing XI. With Cummins a certainty, one of Starc, Hazlewood, or Boland may have to miss out. Hazlewood’s recent IPL form (18 wickets in 10 matches) gives him an advantage, but his shoulder niggle will be closely monitored. Australia qualified for the final after an impressive two-year cycle, winning four of six series, including a historic victory over India. 

“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. 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," Bailey added.

Victory at Lord’s would make Australia the first team to not just defend but also win multiple WTC Finals. The same team will then tour the Caribbean for a three-Test series starting June 26. Meanwhile, Brendan Doggett, coming off a record-breaking performance in the Sheffield Shield final, has been named as the travelling reserve. Doggett’s 11-wicket haul helped South Australia clinch their first red-ball title in nearly three decades.

Australia squad for World Test Championship 2023-25 Final vs South Africa