Australia playing XI for WTC Final announced; Scott Boland snubbed, new opening pair finalized

On Tuesday, June 10, the Australia National Cricket Team announced their playing XI for the ICC World Test Championship Final against the South Africa National Cricket Team.

The star right-arm pacer Scott Boland has once again faced a massive setback as he has been snubbed from the Australian playing XI despite delivering sensational performances.

Also Read: 'Punjab Kings would’ve won if…': Nehal Wadhera identifies 'Villain' in IPL 2025 final loss

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Marnus Labuschagne named new opener, Beau Webster makes the cut

Usman Khawaja has found a new opening partner in Marnus Labuschagne for the ICC World Test Championship Final against the South Africa National Cricket Team, which will be played at the Lord's Cricket Ground in London.

Marnus Labuschagne has been moved up from his No.3 position to accommodate returning Cameron Green, who will take that crucial spot.

Steve Smith and Travis will take the No.4 and No.5 spots in the playing XI, and the emerging all-rounder Beau Webster has retained his place at the No.6.

Also, Alex Carey will be handling the wicket-keeping duties as Josh Inglis has unfortunately been ignored despite hitting a century on debut in the Sri Lanka Test series.

On the bowling side of things, Nathan Lyon takes the sole spinner's spot, and skipper Pat Cummins, left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc, and IPL 2025 champion Josh Hazlewood form the deadly pace trio.

Josh Hazlewood's selection means Scott Boland, who took 10 wickets in his last match, will be warming the bench. Also, teenage sensation Sam Konstas has not been picked.

Australia Playing XI For WTC Final

1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Marnus Labuschagne, 3. Cameron Green, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Beau Webster, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Pat Cummins (c), 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Josh Hazlewood.

I'm sure he'll be fine - Usman Khawaja

The veteran opening batsman Usman Khawaja recently shared his views on Marnus Labuschagne possibly being told to open the innings for Australia against South Africa in the WTC Final.

Khawaja said that Marnus Labuschagne would be happy to bat at whatever position the team demands from him, as he is a terrific player and will be fine while opening the innings.

"You don't always get to choose in Australia. You've got six of the best batsmen in the country. Like I've said in the past, there are plenty of times where I prefer to bat in other positions. But beggars can't be choosers. You just have to be humble that you're playing for Australia," he said while promoting Prime Video as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

"You take what you get and you make the best out of it. At the end of the day, it's a team game. The best place for me to bat for the team is to open. So I'm very happy to open and do my role for the team. I'm sure if it's the same for Marnus, I'm 100%. I know he'll take that role.

"[When] you bat three, I think the opening is an easier transition. The only time it's hard is when you bat second. You have to run off and change [into] your pads. Usually when I was at three, I just put my feet up. You don't get to do that anymore. That's the biggest difference. But Marnus is a terrific player. If he gets an opportunity, I'm sure he'll be fine," he added.