Former Ashes rival Broad out to haunt Aussies in WTC Final

Perth Now

2 days ago

Bitter Ashes enemy Stuart Broad hopes to crash one last Australian party as South Africa leans on the retired English seamer to give them an edge in next week's World Test Championship Final.
The Proteas enter the Lord's decider rank underdogs against the all-conquering Australians but have turned to a man who knows a thing or two about taking down Aussie batsmen.
Broad retired at the conclusion of the 2023 Ashes series in England, using his last ball in Test cricket to dismiss Alex Carey and ensure Australia missed out on a series victory on enemy soil for the second tour running despite having held a 2-0 lead.
Broad finished his decorated red-ball career with 167 matches and 604 wickets at 27.68, including a staggering 153 scalps against Australia.
If South Africa are to prevail in the WTC Final and earn the Test mace for the first time since losing it to Australia in 2015, it is likely to be off the back of star bowler Kagiso Rabada, who has a remarkable record of dismissing Australian batters and will relish the seaming English conditions at the home of cricket.
Broad will be tasked with mentoring and coaching the Proteas' talent-laden fast-bowling attack but will not be in their camp during the match due to commentary duties.
Meanwhile, Australia faces a dilemma at the top of the batting order.
West Australian all-rounder Cam Green looks all but certain to return to the line-up in the middle-order after three centuries and an unbeaten half century in five County cricket matches, which could push Marnus Labuschagne up to the opening position. Stuart Broad of England interacts with team mate Moeen Ali as they make their way off following the end of the match. Credit: Gareth Copley / Getty Images
However, Labuschagne's Test form has been dire across the last two years, and a County cricket stint with Glamorgan did little to quell fears his dry spell would continue.
Travis Head opened in Sri Lanka due to sub-continent conditions but will slide back to his preferred No.5 in England.
Despite the lean run, Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting says Labuschagne is the most likely choice to open in the Final.
'I actually think that that will go with Labuschagne,' Ponting said on the ICC Review podcast.
'Looking back to the last World Test Championship Final, there was some talk about David Warner and whether he should hold his spot going into that.
'And there was a bit of talk around the team about wanting to get through that period or that phase if you like, with the same group of players and give them the chance to, to be able to play off in that one-off Final.
'Labuschagne has been through this cycle with the team, albeit batting at No.3, and I think they will want to get through the cycle with the same players, so I think Labuschagne will get the nod.
'Whether I agree with it or not, it's a different thing... all will be revealed in the next couple of weeks.
'It's a really tough selection every time because every time Boland plays, he just does so well. But unfortunately, if Hazlewood is fit, I think Hazlewood comes straight back into the team.'