Australia Announce Strong Playing XI for WTC Final at Lord’s

London, June 10  – Australian skipper Pat Cummins has officially unveiled the team’s playing XI for the ICC World Test Championship Final to be held at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

As anticipated by cricket legend Ricky Ponting in a recent ICC Review, the selected lineup sticks closely to expert predictions, with a few strategic surprises. The most notable change sees Marnus Labuschagne, previously a dependable No. 3, promoted to open alongside seasoned left-hander Usman Khawaja.

Cummins explained that Labuschagne’s promotion was a tactical move based on his proven ability in English conditions. “It’s just one spot up. He’s played a lot here and done well. Sometimes opening is the best time to bat before the Dukes ball swings,” Cummins said during the pre-match press interaction.

Josh Hazlewood has been chosen over Scott Boland to spearhead the pace attack alongside left-armer Mitchell Starc and Cummins himself. The Australian captain admitted the decision was a tough one. “Scott hasn’t done anything wrong. He’s been brilliant. But Hazlewood’s form and fitness just edged it,” he said, while assuring Boland of future opportunities.

All-rounder Cameron Green returns to the Test setup after a long injury layoff following back surgery. The inclusion of Beau Webster adds flexibility to the middle order, with his dual bowling skills providing valuable support to the frontline attack.

Teen prodigy Sam Konstas, though not part of the XI, remains firmly in the team’s long-term vision. “He’s got a bright future. This is just part of the learning curve,” Cummins said.

Here’s Australia’s XI for the WTC Final:

1. Usman Khawaja

2. Marnus Labuschagne

3. Cameron Green

4. Steve Smith

5. Travis Head

6. Beau Webster

7. Alex Carey (wk)

8. Pat Cummins (c)

9. Mitchell Starc

10. Nathan Lyon

11. Josh Hazlewood

The final promises to be a high-stakes clash, with Australia entering the contest as defending champions and aiming to assert their dominance once again on the world stage.