Melbourne, May 13 (UNI) Australia on Tuesday named a formidable 15-member squad for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa, with skipper Pat Cummins, pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood, and allrounder Cameron Green returning from injury layoffs.
The one-off Test, scheduled to be held at Lord’s from June 11, will see the defending champions field a near full-strength lineup, aiming to retain the WTC mace they won against India at The Oval in 2023.
Cummins and Hazlewood, who missed the recent series in Sri Lanka due to injury, bolster a pace attack also comprising Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland. Green, back after a year-long absence due to back surgery, is expected to compete for a spot in the playing XI alongside fellow allrounder Beau Webster.
The experienced batting unit features Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head and wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Josh Inglis has also been included as a backup keeper, while young batsman Sam Konstas finds a place in the squad. Left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann joins Nathan Lyon to provide spin options.
Brendan Doggett has been named as the travelling reserve.
"This is a well-balanced and experienced squad, and we’re fortunate to have Pat, Josh and Cam back fit and firing," said Australia’s selection chair George Bailey. "The group is excited by the opportunity to defend the WTC title and face a strong South African side at Lord’s."
Australia are permitted to make changes to the squad ahead of the final, subject to approval by the ICC Event Technical Committee.
Following the WTC Final, the squad will travel to the Caribbean for a three-match Test series against the West Indies starting June 26.
Australia squad: 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 (vice-captain), Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.
Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett.
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