Follow UsAustralia are already the most successful country in the history of ODI cricket, and in two days’ time at the Lord’s Cricket Ground, the Kangaroos will have the opportunity to become the first and only team with two World Test Championship (WTC) titles under their belt. They take on South Africa at the Home of Cricket from June 11 (Wednesday) and they’re aiming to become the first team to not just win the WTC mace twice, but in consecutive cycles.
For the big final, Australia welcome back Cameron Green, who last played a Test back in February 2024 against New Zealand. He will play as a specialist batter only, but he’s been in sublime form in County Cricket, having smashed three tons for Gloucestershire. So he’s a lock. Green’s inability to bowl means that all-rounder Beau Webster is also a certain starter.
That leaves space for just one more player, meaning the last spot will come down to Sam Konstas vs Marnus Labuschagne. Now, given the vacant slot is at the top of the order, there might be an inclination to go with Konstas, who is a natural opener. But it is expected that the Aussies, at least for this one-off Test, will stick to Labuschagne and prefer experience over youth.
Labuschagne has had two forgettable years in Test cricket. Moreover, unlike Green, he has not done well in the 2025 County Championship, registering scores of 0, 4 & 23, but his experience of playing in England is likely to get him the nod over the young, inexperienced but exciting Konstas.
Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon
Scott Boland, Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis and Matthew Kuhnemann