WTC Final: South Africa Opt To Bowl First Against Australia Under Overcast Sky
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Australia captain Pat Cummins has no qualms batting first in the ICC World Test Championship final.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bowl first against Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord's on Wednesday. The overcast conditions in London were expected to favour South Africa's fast bowlers, with reigning champions Australia also fielding a formidable pace attack.
Australia's Marnus Labuschagne is set to open for the first time in his Test career, immediately stepping into the action.
'We'll have a bowl first," Bavuma said at the toss. 'The surface looks good, with solid overhead conditions. I'm happy. It's too late now for any changes. We've selected the best team for these conditions. It's a massive occasion. I think all of us have some sort of allegiance to Lord's. It should be a spectacular game."
Australia captain Pat Cummins expressed contentment with batting first.
'There are a few clouds, but that's not unusual for England," he said. 'It's dry and might turn later in the match. I don't think there's any extra pressure as defending champions. We've been here before and won it. This week is about enjoying it."
Both teams announced their line-ups on Tuesday.
Allrounder Beau Webster retains his position at number six in the Australian team, with the experienced Josh Hazlewood preferred over Scott Boland in the pace attack.
South Africa named allrounder Wiaan Mulder at number three and selected Lungi Ngidi over Dane Paterson, despite Paterson's familiarity with Lord's conditions from playing for Middlesex this season.
South Africa aims to win their first major trophy since lifting the ICC Knockout, the predecessor to the Champions Trophy, in 1998.
The top-ranked Australians, who defeated India in the 2023 WTC final, have multiple white-ball trophies to their name.
With AFP Inputs
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