Pat Cummins to Lead 15-Man Squad Against South Africa
Australia have named their squad for the next month’s ICC World Test Championship final where they will face South Africa. The 15-man touring party will be led by Pat Cummins as the holders aim to become the first team to win back-to-back WTC titles. The same squad will also feature in Australia‘s three-match Test series in the Caribbean that follows the final.
Allrounder Cameron Green has been included after recovering from a back surgery while young opener Sam Konstas has also made the cut. Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann is also part of the squad.
“We are fortunate and looking forward to having Pat (Cummins), Josh (Hazlewood) and Cam (Green) back in the squad. 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,” Australia chief selector George Bailey said.
“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. It 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,” he added.
Australia squad for WTC final: 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 are the title holders having won the championship in 2023 when they defeated India in the final. This will be South Africa’s first appearance in the final of a WTC having qualified after topping the table ahead of Australia. The contest will be held at Lord’s from June 11-15.
Following the final, Australia will face West Indies in three Tests followed by five T20Is.
