Key Players Return as Australia Prepares to Defend Title
Australia has unveiled their squad for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa, scheduled to take place from 11-15 June at Lord's. The team sees the return of key players Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, who missed the previous tour to Sri Lanka.
Also making a comeback is Cameron Green, who was sidelined due to injury during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the Sri Lanka Test series. Sam Konstas, who impressed in his debut against India, has retained his place in the squad, while Nathan McSweeney has been dropped. Todd Murphy, Sean Abbott, and Cooper Connolly, who were part of the Sri Lanka tour, were also not retained.
The core of the Australia Test team remains strong with Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Marcus Labuschagne, and Nathan Lyon. The squad will also head to West Indies for a three-match Test series starting from June 26.
As the defending World Test Champions, having triumphed over India in the 2023 final at Lord's, Chairman of selectors George Bailey expressed confidence in the squad's balance and their ability to defend the WTC title against South Africa.
“We are fortunate and looking forward to having Pat (Cummins), Josh (Hazlewood) and Cam (Green) back in the squad," Bailey stated. “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."
“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."
