Australia have named their playing XI for the ICC World Test Championship Final against South Africa, with skipper Pat Cummins confirming the lineup during a press briefing in London on Tuesday. The match, slated for June 11 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, will see a few strategic changes, including a bold top-order shuffle.
Marnus Labuschagne will partner Usman Khawaja at the top, shifting from his regular No. 3 role, while Josh Hazlewood returns to the pace attack after a solid IPL stint. Cameron Green is back from injury, and Beau Webster retains his spot, adding both seam and spin options. But for some, it’s been a bittersweet build-up.
Labuschagne’s Promotion and a Big Call at the Top
It’s not every day that a team reshuffles its top order right before a final. But Labuschagne’s move up the order signals a deliberate tactical shift.
He’s long been Australia’s run machine at No. 3. Now, he’ll be facing the new ball against South Africa’s quicks. That’s a big call. It’s also one that had been floated by Ricky Ponting last week on The ICC Review.
Labuschagne has never opened in a Test before. So, this is new ground.
Khawaja, of course, stays put. He’s the seasoned campaigner up there. But with David Warner’s retirement still casting a shadow, maybe this is the beginning of something long-term.
Hazlewood Gets the Nod, Boland Misses Out
Josh Hazlewood’s inclusion over Scott Boland was one of the few selection dilemmas leading into this match. Cummins made it clear — the decision wasn’t based on form.
“He’s done absolutely nothing wrong,” the captain said of Boland.
Hazlewood, however, is coming in fresh off a title-winning IPL campaign with RCB. His rhythm’s good, he’s fit, and Australia want to use his current form.
Still, for Boland, it stings. He’s been dependable, especially in English conditions. But the rotation policy and workload management logic prevailed.
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Hazlewood joins Cummins and Mitchell Starc in the pace attack
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Nathan Lyon is the lone spinner
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Boland remains on the bench — but not out of the mix, long-term
It’s a packed bowling unit with variety and experience. All bases are covered.
Green is Back, Webster Keeps His Spot
There were murmurs that Cameron Green wouldn’t be risked. Back surgery is no joke, even for athletes.
But he’s back. And straight into the XI.
Green offers balance, both with bat and ball. His return lets Australia go in with five bowling options without thinning out the batting lineup. That’s critical at Lord’s.
Webster’s inclusion, though, is arguably the story here. The all-rounder was widely considered a fringe pick a few months ago. Now, he’s playing a Test final.
His dual role — offering seam and spin — gives the Aussies flexibility.
Webster doesn’t just sneak in. He earns that place.
No Room for Sam Konstas, but a Learning Curve Awaits
You have to feel for Sam Konstas. The 19-year-old has been the talk of the town — technically gifted, mentally mature, and already a standout in domestic cricket.
But he won’t be making his Test debut just yet.
Cummins spoke kindly of the teen. “Even not playing, there’s a lot he can learn,” he said.
This kind of squad involvement can go a long way in shaping careers. Konstas isn’t going away. He’s watching, learning, preparing.
The Full XI: A Blend of Stability and Experiment
Here’s a quick breakdown of Australia’s XI for the WTC Final 2025 at Lord’s:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Usman Khawaja | Opening Batsman |
| Marnus Labuschagne | Opening Batsman |
| Cameron Green | All-rounder |
| Steve Smith | Middle-order Batsman |
| Travis Head | Middle-order Batsman |
| Beau Webster | Batting All-rounder |
| Alex Carey (wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Pat Cummins (c) | Fast Bowler (Captain) |
| Mitchell Starc | Fast Bowler |
| Nathan Lyon | Off-Spinner |
| Josh Hazlewood | Fast Bowler |
The side mixes the familiar and the fresh — a winning recipe last time around.
Defending the Crown with New Firepower
Australia head into this final as defending champions. They know what’s at stake.
Lord’s is a tricky venue. South Africa won’t go easy. But Cummins and Co. are not here to experiment. They’re here to defend their title.
The last time Australia lifted the mace was after demolishing India in 2023. That memory’s still fresh. But so is the challenge ahead.
South Africa bring fire with the ball and grit with the bat. The Aussies? They’ve made their plans. They’ve named their team. Now, it’s time to play.
