Well, the suspense is over! Australia has named their playing XI for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa, set to kick off tomorrow, June 11th, at the iconic Lord’s. Skipper Pat Cummins confirmed the anticipated changes, and the biggest headline is undoubtedly the omission of Scott Boland.
At 36, Boland finds himself in that unenviable position of being an exceptional bowler who’s simply the fourth-best in a country overflowing with pace talent. Despite a phenomenal Test average of 17.66, the return of Josh Hazlewood from a side injury means Boland will have to settle for the bench. This will be Hazlewood’s first WTC Final, having missed the defending champions’ triumph over India in 2023.
The other major talking point revolves around Australia’s top order. Marnus Labuschagne is set to open the batting for the first time in Tests, marking another chapter in Australia’s ongoing opening “musical chairs.”
ALSO READ: Sanjay Bangar: WTC Title Could Be South Africa’s ‘Eureka Moment’
With previous attempts involving Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Travis Head, and others, the selectors seem to have finally settled on a promotion for Labuschagne. Australia will be hoping this new role sparks a return to form for him, as he hasn’t registered a Test century since 2023.
Australia Playing 11 for #WTC Final.
Khawaja, Labuschagne, Green, Smith, Head, Webster, Carey, Cummins (C), Starc, Lyon, Hazlewood. https://t.co/iTzKFM3Hkf
— Muffadal Kohra (@bemba_tavuma) June 10, 2025
Labuschagne’s move up the order has a ripple effect: Cameron Green, playing his first Test since back surgery, will bat at number three. However, Green will only feature as a specialist batter, which opens the door for Beau Webster. Webster, who can offer both spin and medium-pace, steps into the all-rounder’s role, providing crucial balance to the Australian side. It’s a bold lineup, and all eyes will be on how these strategic decisions play out on the grand stage of Lord’s.
ALSO READ: Ruturaj Gaikwad Joins Yorkshire: Indian Star Set for County Stint
Australia’s playing 11 for WTC Final against South Africa: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood.
