FILE - Pat Cummins is back to lead Australia in the World Test Championship final against South Africa.
Image: David Gray / AFP
Australia have selected a formidable line-up for the ICC World Test Championship final against Proteas at Lord's, with captain Pat Cummins, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, and all-rounder Cameron Green returning from injury.
Cummins and Hazlewood, who missed Australia's recent Test series in Sri Lanka due to injuries, will bolster an already potent bowling attack. Green is also primed for a return, potentially making his first Test appearance in over a year after recovering from back surgery.
Australia’s 15-player squad is brimming with talent, with potent and experienced options with bat and ball.
Fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland have also been also been included, alongside spin options Nathan Lyon and Matt Kuhnemann. Key batters Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Travis Head will vie for pivotal spots in the playing eleven, alongside wicket-keepers Alex Carey and Josh Inglis.
Cricket Australia's chairman of selectors George Bailey believes Australia have a well-balanced squad at their disposal and is confident his side can claim back-to-back World Test Championship titles.
“We are fortunate and looking forward to having Pat (Cummins), Josh (Hazlewood) and Cam (Green) back in the squad," Bailey said.
“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.”
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, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.
Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett
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