As the World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa approaches, the final line-up for the Australian team remains uncertain. The squad selected for this crucial match at Lord’s also includes players for the upcoming West Indies tour, making some roles clearer than others. Matt Kuhnemann, having recently been cleared by the ICC, is expected to be part of a spin attack for the Caribbean but is unlikely to feature in England. Beau Webster seems set as a backup all-rounder.
Key selection dilemmas could provide insight into the selectors’ strategies, especially with the home Ashes series later in the year in mind. Notably, who will open alongside Usman Khawaja? Emerging player Sam Konstas made a notable impression in his debut Test series against India but was overlooked for the Sri Lanka series. Travis Head took on the opening role but is not expected to continue this at Lord’s, leaving Marnus Labuschagne as a likely candidate, despite concerns over his recent form.
Labuschagne’s performance has been underwhelming; he has not scored a century since the 2023 Ashes and has averaged a mere 28.33 in the WTC cycle. His recent innings for Glamorgan have been lacklustre, with scores of 2, 4, and 23. If selected, Labuschagne may find his position at risk, having held the spot since 2019. Questions linger whether he can adapt his game to face the new ball effectively, particularly against formidable bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Kagiso Rabada, especially considering his struggles in previous seasons.
Cameron Green is broadly expected to feature, having returned from back surgery to impress with Gloucestershire. His scoring form has been exceptional, including a century and consistent scores in subsequent matches. Regardless of the opening partnership, he is a strong candidate for the number three spot, providing added value with both bat and ball.
The selection for the third fast bowler presents another debate, with Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland in contention. Selectors might favour the experienced trio of Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood, although Boland’s bowling style could be advantageous in English conditions.
In summary, Australia’s expected XI may feature Khawaja, Labuschagne, Green, Smith, Head, and others, with alternate scenarios including emerging talents like Konstas. As the final approaches, the selections could be telling of Australia’s strategy, not only for this match but also for the challenges ahead in the Ashes series.