Australia vs South Africa WTC Final
Australia vs South Africa WTC Final is set to begin this Wednesday at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, and the excitement is palpable. On Tuesday in London, Australian skipper Pat Cummins addressed the media and revealed his playing XI for the high-stakes clash, confirming that Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne will open the innings.
Interestingly, the team selection mirrors exactly what former Aussie captain Ricky Ponting had predicted last month in the ICC Review, reinforcing Australia’s strategic consistency.
Labuschagne to Open for the First Time
With David Warner retired, Australia experimented with multiple opening partners for Khawaja — including youngster Sam Konstas during the India series — but none could cement their place. Labuschagne, traditionally a middle-order mainstay, has never opened in Test cricket. Despite a relatively quiet WTC cycle with the bat, the team is banking on his class to shine on the big day.
Cummins explained, “Opening can be tough, but at times, it’s the best time to bat before the Dukes ball starts swinging. There’s a scoring opportunity early on, and holding your ground is key.”
Sam Konstas Misses Out, But Future Looks Bright
While 19-year-old Sam Konstas misses out, Cummins praised the young gun’s potential: “He’s young, talented, and has a bright future. Even without playing, he’s gaining vital experience.”
Australia vs South Africa WTC Final Playing Eleven
Australia’s XI for the WTC Final:
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Cameron Green
- Beau Webster
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Josh Hazlewood
South Africa’s Historic First Final
On the other side, Temba Bavuma leads South Africa into their maiden WTC Final appearance. Bavuma has been in outstanding form since 2020, averaging close to 50 and topping the WTC 2023–25 standings with a 69.44-point percentage. His leadership has been pivotal in South Africa’s resurgence in red-ball cricket.
South Africa’s XI:
- Temba Bavuma (c)
- Aiden Markram
- Ryan Rickelton
- Tristan Stubbs
- David Bedingham
- Wiaan Mulder
- Kyle Verreynne (wk)
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi
Also Read – WTC 2025 Final: लॉर्ड्स में भिड़ेंगी ऑस्ट्रेलिया और साउथ अफ्रीका, जानें मैच से जुड़ी हर अहम बात
Battle of Momentum and Experience
Australia enters the final on the back of an unbeaten Test series streak since 2022. With wins in New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and at home against India and Pakistan, along with an Ashes retention in England, the Aussies are aiming to defend their title successfully.
South Africa, however, has a strong record at Lord’s — only one loss since 1991 — and brings hungry young talent ready to etch a new chapter in their cricketing history.
Final Word
As Australia looks to retain their World Test Championship mace and South Africa dreams of their first, the Australia vs South Africa WTC Final promises to be a spectacle of high-quality Test cricket. With conditions at Lord’s always a factor, both teams will need to be at their absolute best.
Stay tuned for live updates and in-depth match coverage only here.