SYDNEY – Australia has named a 15-man squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa to be played at Lord’s from June 11. Captain Pat Cummins, star pacer Josh Hazlewood, and all-rounder Cameron Green, all have been recalled after getting back to full fitness and Australia eye another WTC title in the: Cummins (ankle), Hazlewood (hip and calf) were all injured and failed to make the recent Test tour of Sri Lanka but have come back from injury and returned to competitive cricket for the Indian Premier League. Green, however, rejoins the Test set-up for the first time since going through back surgery in October and is playing in the county cricket of England, where he made his comeback with a century for Gloucestershire. Up and Coming.
Sam Konstas Secures Call-Up for Australia
They also boldly decided to include 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who was scintillating in his debut against India last December when he scored a quick 60 off 65 balls at MCG. Konstas is likely to open the proceedings with the veteran, Usman Khawaja.
Hazlewood’s Fitness in Focus
Although Hazlewood has shone in the IPL with 18 wickets (which puts him third on the bowling chart), he missed Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s last match because of a minor shoulder issue. His selectors are still positive on his availability for the WTC final.
History Beckons for Australia
Australia will now have a chance of lifting the WTC title for the second consecutive time, the first time any team will do so. The final against South Africa will be a nail-biter fought at the historical Lord’s Cricket Ground. Chair of selectors George Bailey spoke of the strength and experience possessed in the squad. We are lucky and we are waiting to see Pat, Josh, and Cam in the squad”, Bailey said. “The team ended the WTC cycle with a dominating series win in Sri Lanka after an equally dominant summer in downing India for the first time in a decade”.
Upcoming West Indies Tour
After the WTC final, the same team will travel to the Caribbean to play a three-match series against West Indies from June 25, at the venues of Barbados, Grenada, and Jamaica.
