James Anderson picks 8 Australians in his combined XI for WTC 2025 final, then says 'It's a lot of Aussies in there. I don't like it at all'

Sports Tak

Sports Tak

UPDATED:

James Anderson picks 8 Australians in his combined XI for WTC 2025 final, then says 'It's a lot of Aussies in there. I don't like it at all'
James Anderson of England reacts during Day five of the Ashes 5th Test Match against Australia at The Kia Oval on July 31, 2023 in London, England.

Story Highlights:

James Anderson picked 8 Australian players in his WTC 2025 final combined XI.

Anderson picked Kagiso Rabada over Mitchell Starc.

Anderson said Rabada is one of his favourite bowlers to watch in the world.

England's legendary pacer James Anderson on the eve of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final, picked his combined playing XI. Anderson picked as many as eight Australian players in the playing XI. However, he wasn't happy with the Australian domination in the combined side.

Anderson picked Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne as openers. He placed Aiden Markram at no.3 followed by Steve Smith and Travis Head. He picked Alex Carey as his wicketkeeper-batter. As fast-bowling all-rounder, he went for Wiaan Mulder. 

Anderson named Pat Cummins as captain. The only South African bowler in the lineup is Kagiso Rabada. He picked Rabada over Mitchell Starc. The premier spinner in the side is Nathan Lyon. The third speciallist pacer is Josh Hazlewood.

“It’s a lot of Aussies in there. I don’t like it at all," Anderson said while speaking to Cricket District. 

 

 

ALSO READ: West Indies announce 16-man Test squad for Australia series, no place for veteran bowler with 285 wickets, maiden call-up for 3 players

James Anderson's combined WTC 2025 final playing XI -

Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Aiden Markram, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Pat Cummins (c), Kagiso Rabada, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

ALSO READ: LSG's Nicholas Pooran named captain of this franchise shortly after retirement from international cricket

Anderson on key battle in WTC final

Anderson feels that the key battle in the WTC final will be Rabada against Smith. He said that Rabada is one of his favourite bowlers.

“The main one for me will be Rabada against Steve Smith, and I think that could be a really good, interesting battle. Steve Smith is one of the best batters in the world, and Kagiso Rabada is one of my favourite bowlers to watch," Anderson had told the reporters at an event at the Lord’s.

 

 

 

“I think he’s got so many attributes that just make me want to tune into the TV and watch him. He’s a fantastic player, so I’m looking forward to that battle," the Lancashire bowler added.

 

 

Rabada makes impact straightaway

In the first session of WTC 2025 final after Bavuma won the toss and opted to field, Rabada struck twice with the new ball. He dismissed Usman Khawaja for a 20-ball duck. He got rid of Cameron Green for a single-digit score. Steve Smith returned unbeaten after the first session on Day 1.