Pat Cummins to lead 17-member Australia squad in WTC final
What's the story
Pat Cummins will lead a 17-member Australia squad in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship final, starting on June 7 at the Oval. The same squad will be heading out in the first two Ashes Tests versus England. David Warner has been included and could return to the playing XI. Pat Cummins will lead the squad after leaving the tour of India early.
Information
Australia's squad for the WTC final
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vice-captain), Mitchell Starc, David Warner.
Warner
Warner will hope to get back in rhythm
All eyes will be on Warner, who had three successive failures in Australia's tour of India before being substituted in the second match with an injury. Since the start of 2022, Warner has accumulated two fifties and a score of 200 across 24 innings. He has clocked 10 scores of below 10 during this phase, including three ducks.
Information
Aussies have plenty of opening options
Warner isn't assured of a starting role as Australia have three more openers in the mix. Usman Khawaja is expected to take one of the opening positions. Marcus Harris, Matt Renshaw, and Warner are other options to partner Khawaja.
2021-23
Australia finished atop the standings
Earlier, Australia finished top of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle. Australia finished with a points percentage of 66.7 and a total of 152 points. India finished second with a 58.8 points percentage and a total of 127 points. South Africa, England, and Sri Lanka completed the top 5. Australia and India will now play the final in June.