SA vs AUS, WTC Final 2025: Australia skipper Cummins announces playing XI; Labuschagne promoted to top order
Synopsis
Australia's playing XI for the World Test Championship final against South Africa features Marnus Labuschagne opening alongside Usman Khawaja. Josh Hazlewood edges out Scott Boland in the pace attack, and Cameron Green returns after surgery.
Australia captain Pat Cummins has revealed his side's playing XI for the ICC World Test Championship clash against South Africa starting from June 11 at Lord's on Tuesday, according to the ICC website.
Former No. 1-ranked Test batter Marnus Labuschagne will be pushed up in the order to open alongside Usman Khawaja, while Josh Hazlewood won the race against Scott Boland to partner left-armer Mitchell Starc and Cummins in the pace attack.
All-rounder Cameron Green will play his first Test since back surgery, while Beau Webster retains his spot in the XI and will provide the bowlers some support with his medium pace and spin options.
Australia aim to defend the WTC title
Pat Cummins-led Australia will be looking to retain the mace that they claimed after defeating India in the previous edition of the World Test Championship Final at the Oval in June 2023.
Australia hasn't lost a Test series in the past two years, winning away in New Zealand and Sri Lanka while retaining the Ashes in England in 2023.
They also defeated Pakistan and India at home, along with a draw against the West Indies, to secure a spot in the WTC decider against the Proteas.
Australia and South Africa eye history
With Australia entering their second consecutive WTC final and South Africa making their first appearance, the stakes couldn't be higher.
Australia, led by Pat Cummins, come in with the experience of having won the title in 2023, while the Proteas are looking to script a new chapter in their red-ball history.
Australia playing 11: 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.
Australia Full squad for WTC final: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann. Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett. (ANI)