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Australia, South Africa lock in XIs for WTC final at Lord’s
The stage is set for the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s, with both Australia and South Africa announcing their playing elevens ahead of the much-anticipated clash.
Pat Cummins will lead a near full-strength Australian side aiming to defend their 2023 title.
In contrast, South Africa are chasing their maiden WTC crown, having reached the final after a run of seven straight wins in the second half of the cycle.
The Proteas have backed Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram to open, while Wiaan Mulder slots in at No. 3.
Temba Bavuma captains the side, with Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham adding firepower in the middle.
The experienced Kagiso Rabada leads the bowling attack, joined by Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj.
Australia have recalled Josh Hazlewood, who missed large parts of the summer due to injury. He joins Cummins, Starc, and Lyon in a seasoned attack.
Marnus Labuschagne has moved to the top alongside Usman Khawaja, with Cameron Green returning as a specialist batter at No. 3 after recovering from a back injury. Beau Webster retains his spot as the all-rounder following strong recent form.
This is South Africa’s first WTC Final appearance, while Australia are hoping to become the first back-to-back champions since the tournament’s inception in 2019.
Playing XIs:
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, reports UNB.