Australia and South Africa announcd their playing XI for the WTC final |Courtesy - ICC
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Australia will play South Africa in the 2025 WTC final
- Australia are aiming to win back-to-back titles
- South Africa are looking for their first ICC trophy in 27 years
Both Australia and South Africa announced their playing XIs for the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final on the eve of the fixture, which will begin on Wednesday (June 11) at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground.
Defending champions Australia made a radical move and decided against naming a specialist opener as Usman Khawaja's partners. Cameron Green's return means that the Pat Cummins-led side has decided to promote Marnus Labuschagne to the spot. Labuschagne has been Australia's number three in the longest format since 2019 but has never opened the batting in his career.
Intrestingly, Travis Head had opened the batting for Australia in Sri Lanka, but away from the spin-friendly conditions of the sub-continent, the left-hander is set to return to his number five spot. Sam Kontas is part of the squad, and despite impressive displays in the opening spot against India, he has not been selected.
Scott Boland terrorised the Indian batting unit during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) but does not find a place in the playing XI. Australia have decided to back their famed pace trio of Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood. Nathan Lyon is the lone spinner in the line-up while Beau Webster will fill in the role of the pace-bowling all-rounder. Green will play as a specialist batter and is expected to come at number three, but will not bowl having just returned to action from a back surgery.
As far as South Africa is concerned, they were no major surprise in their line-up as Wiaan Mulder has been picked giving the Proteas four pace-bowling options in the line-up. Mulder could bat at number three for the Proteas. Lungi Ngidi has found a place in the line-up ahead of Dan Paterson. Corbin Bosch was left out despite his impressive display against Pakistan.
Australia vs South Africa WTC Final 2025 - Playing XIs
Australia Playing XI:Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verrynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
South Africa Playing XI: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
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