Australia playing XI announced [Source: @ABsay_ek/x.com]
The Australian Cricket team has announced their playing XI for the World Test Championship (WTC) final with quite a few interesting changes in their side. Captain Pat Cummins revealed the squad on Tuesday and there is some good news for the Australian supporters. Cameron Green who had a back surgery is back in the playing XI.
Key all-rounder back, no place for Boland
Green missed quite a large chunk of Cricket last year but is back in the playing XI to strengthen the Aussie squad. Also, Josh Hazlewood, who got injured midway in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is also included in the playing XI with no place for Scott Boland.
Hazlewood had a calf strain as Boland replaced him in the playing XI Vs India and the seamer wreaked havoc as the Aussies reached their second consecutive WTC final. However, for the crucial clash Vs South Africa, captain Cummins went ahead with the trusted trio of himself, Starc and Hazlewood.
New opening partner for Khawaja
With no Sam Konstas in the side, there was a void in the opening slot and Cummins stated that Marnus Labuschagne, who usually bats at number 3 will open the innings. This is the first time that the Queenslander will bat at the opening slot, having never batted at that position in Tests.
This opens the spot for Green to bat at number 3 and Steve Smith back at his usual number 4 spot. Travis Head will play at five and Beau Webster will get a chance to play at 6 as the all-rounder can also chip in with the ball.
Australia playing XI for WTC final
1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Marnus Labuschagne, 3. Cameron Green, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Beau Webster, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Pat Cummins (c), 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Josh Hazlewood.