Australia's squad for World Test Championship final revealed as uncapped bowler gets the nod to tour

Sydney Morning Herald13-05-2025

Sam Konstas has been included in Australia's squad for next month's World Test Championship final at Lord's, as selectors named a largely settled group that includes second spinner Matt Kuhnemann and South Australian quick Brendan Doggett as a travelling reserve.
Cricket Australia has confirmed the touring party for next month's World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's, with a core group of 16 players who will also travel to the West Indies for a three-Test series in June and July.
Pat Cummins returns to captain the side after sitting out the Sri Lanka tour due to the birth of his second child. Fellow Test regulars Josh Hazlewood and Cameron Green also return from injury, bolstering a squad that will remain together for the three-Test tour of the West Indies in June and July.
Green and fellow all-rounder Beau Webster could be in a head-to-head battle for a spot in the XI, depending on conditions at Lord's and the preferred team balance.
Hazlewood has been managing a minor shoulder issue but team officials believe he is in no doubt for Australia's tilt at more World Test Championship glory.
Konstas was named to tour Sri Lanka earlier this year but returned to Australia after being overlooked for both Tests in Galle. The 19-year-old will embark on his first tour of England, hoping to resume his spot at the top of the order with Usman Khawaja.
Australia Test squad for World Test Championship final and West Indies tour
Pat Cummins (NSW/Penrith Cricket Club) (c)
Scott Boland (VIC/Frankston Peninsula Cricket Club)
Alex Carey (SA/Glenelg Cricket Club)
Cameron Green (WA/Subiaco-Floreat Cricket Club)
Josh Hazlewood (NSW/St George Cricket Club)
Travis Head (SA/Tea Tree Gully Cricket Club)
Josh Inglis (WA/Joondalup Cricket Club)
Usman Khawaja (QLD/Valley District Cricket Club)
Sam Konstas (NSW/Sutherland District Cricket Club)
Matt Kuhnemann (TAS/Clarence Cricket Club)
Marnus Labuschagne (QLD/Redlands Cricket Club)
Nathan Lyon (NSW/Northern District Cricket Club)
Steve Smith (NSW/Sutherland Cricket Club)
Mitchell Starc (NSW/Manly Warringah Cricket Club)
Beau Webster (TAS/Kingborough Cricket Club)
Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett (SA/Glenelg Cricket Club
As revealed by this masthead, selectors are seriously considering opening with Marnus Labuschagne for the WTC final in a one-off fixture.
South Australian fast bowler Doggett, who finished fifth on the Sheffield Shield wicket-takers list with 33 wickets at 24.15, joins the squad as cover for Australia's frontline pace attack of Cummins, Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland.