As the World Test Championship Final 2025 approaches, defending champions Australia have announced their playing XI for the epic fight versus South Africa at the iconic cricket stadium of Lord’s in London, which begins June 11. One of the most surprise omissions from the playing lineup was ace speedster Scott Boland, who has definitely been one of the most important match-winners for the Australians in recent times.
Australia chose Josh Hazlewood, who was in better form and had more experience, over him.
Skipper Pat Cummins has spoken out about Boland being neglected for the game. He stated that, despite the pacer has been at his very best with the ball, he does not fit the team’s mix and will therefore miss the game as Hazlewood receives a green signal.
“There are those guys to whom you can genuinely say, ‘You’ve done nothing wrong; don’t alter a thing. And Scottie’s is truly sad to miss out. Joshie Hazel (Hazlewood) returns, and we all know how good he is, but I think the message to Scottie is that there’s a lot of Test cricket coming up in the next few years, and just because you’re in your mid-30s doesn’t mean you’re missing this test and that’s one test off your career,” Cummins said ahead of the pre-match press conference.
The 2023 winners will have a powerful lineup, including Marnus Labuschagne, Australia’s ace batsman, who will begin the batting. Cameron Green, on the other hand, has returned to the dressing room and will bat third in his comeback match. Aside from Cummins and Hazlewood, New South Wales speedster Mitchell Starc is also in the running, with Nathan Lyon as the specialist spinner. Alex Carey will keep the wickets.
WTC Final 2025: Playing 11s
AUS: Usman Khwaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon
SA: Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Sani Ngidi
India
