Surprise Opening Pair as Australia Announce WTC Final Playing XI

June 10, 2025 0 25

Australia vs India MCG

Australia’s skipper Pat Cummins has revealed their lineup for the World Test Championship final against South Africa, starting Wednesday at Lord’s. Cummins confirmed Marnus Labuschagne will open with Usman Khawaja.

Josh Hazlewood secured the third seamer spot over Scott Boland, joining Cummins and Mitchell Starc in the pace attack. All-rounder Cameron Green returns after back surgery, while Beau Webster provides additional bowling options. The defending champions field a balanced XI featuring Steve Smith, Travis Head and Nathan Lyon

“We don’t see a lot of South Africa in Test cricket, but it’s nice and different to an Australia-India final. You can only beat those you come up against. Our route to the final was pretty tough, but I don’t blame South Africa for having a different route,’ Cummins said.

Notably, Australia enters the World Test Championship final riding a wave of red-ball dominance. The current Test champions recently reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after ten years and retained the Ashes in 2023. Additionally, Cummins brings a perfect ICC final record as captain, having lifted two major trophies.

READ ALSO | South Africa’s Playing XI Announced for WTC Final Against Australia

Australia’s WTC Final Playing XI

1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Marnus Labuschagne, 3. Cameron Green, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Beau Webster, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Pat Cummins (c), 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Josh Hazlewood.