Australia Announces Playing XI for WTC Final Against SA: Labuschagne to Open in Surprise Move

The Australian Cricket team has just revealed their playing XI for the World Test Championship (WTC) final and there are some big surprises in lineup! Skipper Pat Cummins shared the squad on Tuesday, bringing plenty of excitement for Aussie fans. The best news? The best news is that all-rounder Cameron Green, who’s been recovering from back surgery, has made the cut and is back in the playing XI.

Green missed a lot of cricket last year due to injury, but he’s now back in the team to boost Australia’s lineup. There’s more good news Josh Hazlewood, who got hurt during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has also been picked meaning Scott Boland misses out this time.

Hazlewood Returns as Australia Sticks With Proven Pace Trio

Hazlewood had a calf injury earlier, so Boland stepped in against India and played a huge role in helping Australia reach their second straight WTC final. But for the big match against South Africa, captain Cummins has stuck with his most trusted fast-bowling trio: himself, Mitchell Starc and Hazlewood.

With Sam Konstas left out of the squad, Australia had a gap to fill at the top of the order and they’ve gone with a surprise pick. Skipper Pat Cummins confirmed that Marnus Labuschagne, usually playing at No. 3will step up as opener for the first time in his Test career.

This reshuffle means Cameron Green slots in at No. 3, while Steve Smith returns to his familiar No. 4 spot. Travis Head holds down No. 5 and Beau Webster gets his chance at No. 6, adding extra depth as a handy all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball.

Australia Playing XI for WTC Final Against SA

Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood. 

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