Defending champions Australia are gearing up for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against one of their arch-rivals South Africa.
After two years of intense Test cricket, including retaining the Ashes and dominating India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25, they now stand just one step away from lifting the title for the second time.
The return of key players for Australian side
Australia’s squad is bolstered by the return of key players who had been sidelined due to injuries, bringing experience and firepower back into the lineup. The likes of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Cameron Green are all fit and ready to make a strong impact on the biggest stage, after their absence in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Alongside them, a few promising newcomers – Sam Konstas and Matt Kuhnemann – are also in the mix, eager to prove their worth and contribute to Australia’s title defense in what promises to be a high-stakes clash at the iconic Lord’s.
Australia’s top-choice playing XI for the WTC Final 2025
1. Usman Khawaja (Opener)
- Role: Left-handed opening batter
- Strengths: Technically sound and composed under pressure, especially in testing conditions.
- Expectations: Lay a solid foundation at the top and build momentum for the middle order to capitalize on.
2. Sam Konstas (Opener)
- Role: Young right-handed opening batter
- Strengths: Fearless stroke play and composure under pressure, scored a debut 60 against India in the BGT 2024-25.
- Expectations: Provide positive starts with intent and take the attack to the opposition early, showing maturity beyond his years.
3. Marnus Labuschagne (No. 3)
- Role: Top-order right-handed batter
- Strengths: High concentration levels and consistent run-scoring ability.
- Expectations: Build innings through patience and partnerships, holding the top order together.
4. Steve Smith (No. 4)
- Role: Experienced batter
- Strengths: One of finest ever to play the format with unique technique and world-class adaptability across conditions.
- Expectations: Dominate the middle order and provide a backbone for big totals. A centurion in the WTC final 2023 with an exceptional footwork and masterful stroke making.
Also READ: Australia unveil full-strength squad for WTC 2025 final against South Africa
5. Travis Head (No. 5)
- Role: Middle-order aggressor
- Strengths: Counter-attacking style that can change the course of a match.
- Expectations: Accelerate the innings and take on bowlers during crucial phases. A centurion in the previous final, he dismantled the opposition bowling attack and took the game away with a commanding performance.
6. Alex Carey (Wicketkeeper)
- Role: Wicketkeeper-batter
- Strengths: Safe hands behind the stumps and useful contributions with the bat.
- Expectations: Ensure sharp glovework and support the lower-middle order with vital runs.
7.Cameron Green (All-rounder)
- Role: Batting all-rounder
- Strengths: Adds depth to both batting and bowling with good lengths and clean hitting.
- Expectations: Balance the side, contribute handy runs, and break partnerships with the ball.
8. Pat Cummins (Captain, Fast Bowler)
- Role: Frontline bowler and team leader
- Strengths: Leading pace bowler with excellent control and leadership under pressure.
- Expectations: Lead from the front with key breakthroughs and smart field management. Also, can be handy run scorer down the order.
9. Mitchell Starc (Fast Bowler)
- Role: Left-arm fast bowler
- Strengths: Raw pace, reverse swing, and wicket-taking ability in crunch situations.
- Expectations: Rattle the opposition with pace and target the tail efficiently. A proven clutch player for Aussies in the big occasions.
10. Nathan Lyon (Spinner)
- Role: Off-spinner
- Strengths: Vast experience and ability to maintain pressure from one end.
- Expectations: Control the game in long spells and exploit any assistance from the pitch. Can be a lethal bowler in the later part of the game.
11. Josh Hazlewood / Scott Boland (Fast Bowler)
- Role: Line-and-length seamer
- Strengths: Relentless accuracy and effectiveness in English conditions.
- Expectations: Contain runs and build pressure for wickets through consistency.
