Source : ABC NEWS
Australia has welcomed back some big names in the 15-man squad for next month’s World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa.
Captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and all-rounder Cameron Green all return from injury for the clash with South Africa at Lord’s from June 11 to 15, followed by three Tests in the Caribbean from June 26 to July 17.
Green has not played an international match since September and missed the summer due to back surgery.
The 25-year-old has been working his way back via the English county scene, scoring a century in his first innings for Gloucester before four single-digit scores. He has not been bowling.
Josh Hazlewood missed the back end of last summer’s Test series against India. (AAP Image: Jono Searle)
Hazlewood played the first two Tests against India before succumbing to a side strain and is currently battling a shoulder complaint.
Cummins played all five Tests against India in Australia, but sat out the two-Test tour of Sri Lanka with an ankle injury he has since recovered from.
“We are fortunate and looking forward to having Pat, Josh and Cam back in the squad,” chairman of selectors George Bailey said.
“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.
“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.”
The exact make-up of the XI for Lord’s is not much clearer despite the naming of the squad, with the all-rounder position and one opening spot up for grabs.
Australia beat India to win the World Test Championship in 2023. (Getty Images: Visionhaus)
Beau Webster shone with important runs, timely wickets and exceptional fielding after replacing Mitch Marsh in the all-rounder slot for the SCG Test and the tour of Sri Lanka.
Back-up wicketkeeper Josh Inglis scored a century on debut as a specialist batter in Sri Lanka, where Travis Head was elevated from his usual spot at number five to open alongside Usman Khawaja.
Boom rookie opener Sam Konstas, who was dropped for Sri Lanka after his stunning 60 off 65 in his Boxing Day debut, is also in the squad alongside struggling top-order batter Marnus Labuschagne.
Australia’s 15-player squad
Pat Cummins (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.
