Australia's Scott Boland celebrates with teammates after dismissing Nitish Kumar Reddy in the Sydney Test. (AP)
Australia have announced a full-strength 15-player squad for the ICC
World Test Championship
final against South Africa at Lord's, including the return of skipper Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Cameron Green who missed recent Tests due to injuries. The squad will defend their World Test Championship title in the one-off final commencing June 11, followed by a three-match series against the West Indies in the Caribbean.The returning trio strengthens an already formidable Australian lineup that features experienced pacers Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, alongside spinners Nathan Lyon and Matt Kuhnemann.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Young talent Sam Konstas has earned a spot in the squad, while all-rounders Green and Beau Webster will compete with established batters Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Josh Inglis for places in the final XI.
Alex Carey remains the first-choice wicketkeeper, with Josh Inglis providing backup. Brendan Doggett will travel with the squad as a reserve player.
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"We are fortunate and looking forward to having Pat (Cummins), Josh (Hazlewood) and Cam (Green) back in the squad," said Selection Chair George Bailey."The team finished the WTC cycle with an impressive series victory in Sri Lanka following an equally strong summer in defeating India for the first time in a decade. Those series capped a consistent performance across the two-year cycle and now presents us with the incredibly exciting opportunity to defend the World Test Championship. It means a lot to the group to reach the final and they are very much looking forward to the challenge South Africa will present at Lord's."
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Travis Head emerged as the Player of the Match in the 2023 World Test Championship final against India, scoring a decisive 163 runs in the first innings.The squad composition allows for changes prior to the final, subject to approval from the ICC Event Technical Committee.Australia squad: 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 (vc), Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster. Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett.
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