Cameron Green returns as Australia name squad for World Test Championship final
Australia have announced a strong 15-member squad for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa, scheduled to begin on June 11 in Barbados.
The biggest headline from the announcement is the return of star all-rounder Cameron Green, who has been sidelined for nearly a year due to a serious back injury.
Green, who last played international cricket in September, missed the entire home summer and the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) after undergoing lower spine surgery. His recovery has been steady, and he recently returned to action through the English county circuit, where he impressed with a century in his first outing for Gloucestershire. However, he hasn’t resumed bowling yet.
Green’s inclusion marks a major boost for Australia, especially ahead of a high-stakes final against a red-hot South Africa side. During Green’s absence, 31-year-old Beau Webster made his Test debut during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against India in Sydney and later featured in both matches against Sri Lanka. Webster retains his place in the squad, offering additional depth and a solid backup all-round option.
Australia squad for WTC Final vs South Africa
Pat Cummins (c)
Scott Boland
Alex Carey (wk)
Cameron Green
Josh Hazlewood
Travis Head
Josh Inglis (wk)
Usman Khawaja
Sam Konstas
Matthew Kuhnemann
Marnus Labuschagne
Nathan Lyon
Steve Smith
Mitchell Starc
Beau Webster
Brendan Doggett (travelling reserve)
Australia’s batting unit looks solid with experienced names like Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, and Alex Carey, along with emerging stars such as Josh Inglis and 19-year-old Sam Konstas. Konstas, one of the breakout performers during the BGT, has been rewarded with a spot in the WTC squad and could be one to watch in the coming weeks.
Pat Cummins will lead a potent pace attack that includes Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland. The spin responsibilities will be handled by veteran Nathan Lyon and left-armer Matt Kuhnemann, giving Australia a well-rounded bowling unit. Australia will be travelling with the same squad for their three-match Test series against West Indies, starting from June 30.
Australia’s squad selection signals their intent to go full throttle in their quest for the WTC crown. With Cameron Green returning at a crucial time, and the team stacked with both experience and young firepower, the clash at the iconic Lord’s stadium in London promises to be an intense affair.