Cummins and Co eye title defence; Proteas chase maiden WTC crown at Lord’s
London: When it comes to major finals, no men’s team boasts Australia’s pedigree. Having already conquered the 50-over World Cup, T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy and WTC, they stand alone as the only side to win all four ICC trophies. On Wednesday at Lord’s, they chase a record-extending 11th global title in the World Test Championship final against South Africa.
While Australia’s legacy is built on thriving under pressure — with 10 wins from 13 finals — South Africa continues to carry the burden of unfulfilled potential. Their only major triumph remains the 1998 Champions Trophy, a full generation ago. The Proteas, though, arrive at Lord’s with momentum, having won seven straight Tests to qualify first for the final. They used a WTC cycle-high 30 players, with timely contributions across the board. Skipper Temba Bavuma admits the team hasn’t always been ruthless but praised its resilience.
Australia, meanwhile, returns with ten of the XI that crushed India in last year’s final. David Warner is the only absentee. Josh Hazlewood, fresh from an IPL-winning run with 22 wickets, is likely to replace Scott Boland.
Steve Smith, who averages 58 at Lord’s and recently crossed 10,000 Test runs, leads a seasoned Aussie core. Cameron Green is fit to bat but won’t bowl. Marnus Labuschagne’s form remains a concern, but he is likely to open with Khawaja.
South Africa’s hopes rest heavily on Kagiso Rabada, who has dismissed Khawaja five times in 10 meetings. Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi will round out the pace attack. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton will open, with David Bedingham — their top scorer in the cycle — back fit after injury.
