Cricket Australia (CA) on May 13 announced Pat Cummins-led 15-member squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final against South Africa which will start on June 11 at Lord's Cricket Ground. Star all-rounder Cameron Green has returned to the squad after recovering from injury.
Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann retained his place in the squad as the second spinner. There were questions around Marnus Labuschagne and Sam Konstas as well but they have been named in the squad as well.
"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," selection committee chief George Bailey said on May 13.
"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."
Australia's Test squad for WTC 2025 final
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, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster. Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett.
Marsh misses out
Mitchell Marsh is the notable ommission from the Test squad. In the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, he has been used as an impact player by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). His bowling is yet to be tested since he got injured. His replacement in the Sydney Test, Beau Webster has been included in the squad as well.
Doggett as cover
Fast bowler Brendan Doggett has been picked as a travelling reserve. He is the injury cover for Josh Hazlewood who sustained a shoulder injury while playing for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. If Hazlewood doesn't recover, Scott Boland is likely to replace him in the playing XI. Boland played in the previous edition of WTC final when Hazlewood was injured as well.
31-year-old Queensland-born pacer Doggett registered a six-wicket haul against India A last year. He also took 11 wickets in the Sheffield Shield final and won the 'Player of the match'. In his first-class career, Doggett has claimed 177 wickets from 48 games at an average of 27.32, including seven five-wicket hauls.