Australia has named a battle-hardened 15-man squad for its defense of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final. The squad features a mix of proven match-winners, returning stars, and one well-earned promotion from the domestic ranks.
Pat Cummins will continue to lead the side in the WTC Final against South Africa, set for June 11 at Lord’s, but the headlines belong to two comebacks: Cameron Green, back from spinal surgery, and Josh Hazlewood, finally fit after an extended run of injuries.
Cameron Green’s return adds fresh complexity to Australia’s selection puzzle. The 25-year-old allrounder missed the home summer and Sri Lanka tour after undergoing back surgery last October, but has since impressed in English county cricket with a century in his comeback match. While he’s not expected to bowl at full tilt until later in the year, his presence adds muscle to the middle order.
Matt Kuhnemann returns in place of Todd Murphy as Nathan Lyon’s understudy. The left-arm spinner recently got the all-clear on his action and is likely being groomed for a bigger role during the West Indies leg after the WTC Final.
In the only uncapped addition, Brendan Doggett—hero of South Australia’s Sheffield Shield triumph—earns a spot as travelling reserve. His 11-wicket haul in the Shield final was the best in competition history and helped snap a 29-year title drought for his state. It caps a remarkable resurgence for the 31-year-old quick, who also began his stint with Durham in the English county season with immediate impact.
While Usman Khawaja retains his spot at the top, the question is who partners him. Marnus Labuschagne has been floated as a temporary opener, but 20-year-old Sam Konstas, a specialist at the top, is in contention after a late-season flourish for New South Wales.
Ten days after the WTC Final, Australia will kick off their next Test campaign in the Caribbean, beginning June 25 in Barbados. The same squad will be retained for that three-match series, with venues set for Grenada and Jamaica as well.
A separate T20I squad will be announced closer to the series.
| Pat Cummins (c) | 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 |
With a settled squad, growing depth, and firepower in both departments, Australia now has its sights on becoming the first team to win multiple WTC titles. With their blend of veterans and eager youngsters, Cummins’ men will march into Lord’s with a target on their backs—and the belief that history is theirs for the taking.
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