On May 13, 2025, Cricket Australia unveiled the highly anticipated Australia WTC squad for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final and the subsequent Test tour of the West Indies. This 15-player squad, led by captain Pat Cummins, will take on South Africa at Lord’s starting June 11, aiming to defend their WTC title before heading to the Caribbean for a three-Test series. The Australia WTC squad announcement has generated significant buzz among cricket enthusiasts, with key inclusions, strategic selections, and a few dilemmas for the selectors. Let’s dive into the composition of the Australia WTC squad, the notable returns, and what this means for Cricket Australia’s ambitions in Test cricket.
Cricket Australia’s Announcement: The Australia WTC Squad Breakdown
The Australia WTC squad, as revealed by Cricket Australia, is a balanced mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, designed to tackle the challenges of both the WTC and the West Indies tour. Here’s the full squad:
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Scott Boland
- Alex Carey
- Cameron Green
- Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Usman Khawaja
- Sam Konstas
- Matt Kuhnemann
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Nathan Lyon
- Steve Smith
- Mitchell Starc
- Beau Webster
- Travelling Reserve: Brendan Doggett
This Australia WTC squad will remain consistent for both the WTC and the three-Test series in the West Indies, which kicks off on June 25 in Barbados. Cricket Australia’s decision to maintain the same squad across these engagements reflects their confidence in the group’s ability to perform under varying conditions. The Australia WTC squad secured their spot in the final with a points percentage of 67.54, achieving 13 wins from 19 matches in the 2023-2025 WTC cycle, including series victories over India (3-1) and Sri Lanka (2-0).
Key Highlights of the Australia WTC Squad
Cameron Green’s Comeback Strengthens the Australia WTC Squad
A major highlight of the Australia WTC squad is the return of Cameron Green, the 25-year-old all-rounder who has been sidelined since October 2024 due to back surgery. Green underwent a procedure to stabilize a stress fracture with titanium screws, a surgery aimed at prolonging his career as a fast-bowling all-rounder. His absence was notable during Australia’s home summer, the Sri Lanka tour, and the Champions Trophy earlier in 2025. However, Green has made a strong case for his inclusion in the Australia WTC squad, currently playing for Gloucestershire in England’s county circuit, where he scored a century in his first game back.
While Green is not expected to resume bowling until later in the year, his batting ability adds significant depth to the Australia WTC squad. His previous performances, including an unbeaten 174 in a Test match, make him a valuable asset in the middle order for the WTC at Lord’s. His return is a major boost for Cricket Australia, providing flexibility and firepower as they aim to defend their title.
Sam Konstas and Matt Kuhnemann: Fresh Faces in the Australia WTC Squad
The Australia WTC squad also features the inclusion of young opener Sam Konstas, who has been recalled after leaving the Sri Lanka tour early to complete the domestic season with New South Wales. Konstas finished the Sheffield Shield season on a high note, scoring consecutive half-centuries in his last two games. His presence in the Australia WTC squad adds an intriguing option for the opening slot alongside Usman Khawaja, especially with ongoing discussions about potential reshuffles in the batting order.
Another strategic selection in the WTC squad is left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann, who has been chosen as Nathan Lyon’s backup. Kuhnemann’s inclusion is particularly significant for the West Indies tour, where spin-friendly conditions are expected. He was the leading wicket-taker during Australia’s 2-0 series win in Sri Lanka earlier in 2025, which likely gave him the edge over Victorian spinner Todd Murphy. His role in the Australia WTC squad ensures Cricket Australia is prepared for all scenarios, particularly in the Caribbean.
Brendan Doggett as Travelling Reserve
Brendan Doggett, named as the travelling reserve for the Australia WTC squad, adds further depth to the bowling department. The South Australian quick made headlines in March 2025 with the best-ever match figures in Sheffield Shield final history (11-140), helping his state secure their first red-ball title in 29 years. Doggett’s form continued in county cricket with Durham, where he took nine wickets in his first two matches. His inclusion as a reserve ensures the WTC squad has cover in case of injuries, particularly among the fast bowlers.
Selection Challenges for the Australia WTC Squad
Despite the strength of the WTC squad, Australia faces several selection dilemmas as they prepare for the WTC.
Fast Bowling Competition in the WTC Squad
One of the biggest challenges for the WTC squad is fitting four world-class fast bowlers—Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland—into just three spots alongside spinner Nathan Lyon. Cummins, as captain, is a guaranteed starter, leaving Hazlewood, Starc, and Boland to compete for the remaining positions. Hazlewood has been in excellent form in the IPL, taking 18 wickets in 10 games for Royal Challengers Bengaluru before the tournament’s suspension due to regional conflicts. However, a recent shoulder niggle raises slight concerns, though he is expected to be fit for the WTC.
Starc brings swing and experience, while Boland has proven his worth in high-stakes matches, notably in the 2023 WTC where he took five wickets, including the dismissals of Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill. The selectors’ decision will be crucial, as the WTC squad aims to optimize their bowling attack for the conditions at Lord’s.
Batting Order Decisions for the Australia WTC Squad
The batting lineup of the WTC squad also presents challenges. With Cameron Green’s return and Travis Head slotted back at No. 5, the middle order looks solid. Josh Inglis, who scored a century on Test debut, and Beau Webster, who impressed as the team’s top scorer on debut, have both staked strong claims for spots. However, neither is likely to open, leaving the top order as a point of focus. The question of who will partner Usman Khawaja remains, with Sam Konstas as a specialist opener and speculation about Marnus Labuschagne potentially moving up the order. These decisions will shape the Australia WTC squad’s strategy against South Africa.
The Road to the WTC Final: Australia WTC Squad’s Prospects
The WTC Final on June 11, 2025, at Lord’s offers the WTC squad a chance to make history as the first team to win multiple WTC titles. Australia claimed the 2023 WTC against India, and their performance in the 2023-2025 cycle—13 wins from 19 matches—has earned them a second consecutive appearance in the decider. However, South Africa, who topped the WTC standings with a 69.44% points percentage (eight wins from 12 Tests), will be a formidable opponent. The Proteas boast a strong bowling attack, led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, both of whom have impressive records in England.
Australia’s chair of selectors, George Bailey, expressed optimism about the WTC squad’s chances, stating, “The team finished the WTC cycle with an impressive series victory in Sri Lanka following an equally strong summer in defeating India for the first time in a decade. It means a lot to the group to reach the final, and they are very much looking forward to the challenge South Africa will present at Lord’s.” The Australia WTC squad’s preparation, including a pre-tour camp in Scotland, will be key to their success.
Beyond the WTC: Australia WTC Squad’s West Indies Tour
Following the WTC, the WTC squad will travel to the Caribbean for three Tests against the West Indies, starting June 25 in Barbados. The same squad will be used, with Matt Kuhnemann expected to play a larger role in spin-friendly conditions. The West Indies, ranked eighth in Test cricket as of March 2025, will pose a different challenge, but the depth and experience in the WTC squad make them favorites to dominate the series.
Conclusion: Australia WTC Squad Ready to Make History
The announcement of the Australia WTC squad marks the beginning of an exciting journey for Cricket Australia as they aim to defend their WTC title and assert their dominance in Test cricket. With Cameron Green’s return, the emergence of Sam Konstas and Matt Kuhnemann, and the experience of players like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, the WTC squad is well-prepared for the challenges ahead. While selection dilemmas and a strong South African side will test their resolve, the WTC squad has the talent and depth to succeed. As the cricketing world turns its attention to Lord’s on June 11, the WTC squad is poised to write another chapter in their storied Test cricket history.
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