Australia have unveiled a powerful 15-man squad for the ICC World Test Championship Final against South Africa at Lord’s, with three key players returning from injury in a major boost for the defending champions.
Captain Pat Cummins, seasoned paceman Josh Hazlewood, and promising all-rounder Cameron Green all make their return to the Test set-up, having missed recent series through injury. Green, in particular, is set to make his first appearance in the format in over a year after recovering from back surgery.
Australia, who claimed the inaugural WTC mace with victory over India at The Oval in 2023, will be aiming for back-to-back titles in the one-off final starting on 11 June. The squad boasts considerable depth and experience, with Cummins joined by fellow fast bowlers Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Hazlewood. Spin duties will be handled by veteran Nathan Lyon and left-armer Matt Kuhnemann.
Teenage batting prodigy Sam Konstas has earned a call-up, while all-rounders Green and Beau Webster will compete for a place alongside a strong core of established batters: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Josh Inglis.
Inglis also serves as a secondary wicketkeeping option behind first-choice gloveman Alex Carey. Brendan Doggett will travel as a reserve player and provide back-up if required.
The squad will remain together for the subsequent three-match Test series in the West Indies, commencing 26 June.
Chair of Selectors George Bailey expressed confidence in the side’s ability to retain their WTC crown, saying: “We are fortunate and looking forward to having Pat, Josh and Cam back in the squad. The team capped off the WTC cycle with a strong series win in Sri Lanka and a landmark home victory over India.
“This is a group that has performed consistently over two years, and the opportunity to defend the title at Lord’s is incredibly exciting. The team are relishing the challenge South Africa will bring.”
Changes to the squad can still be made prior to the final, subject to approval from the ICC Event Technical Committee.
Australia Squad for WTC Final vs South Africa:
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 (vc), Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.