South Africa Opt to Bowl First in WTC Final Against Australia at Lord’s
News Desk
Islamabad: South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bowl first against Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s on Wednesday, banking on his pace attack to exploit early overcast conditions.
Citing the cloud cover at the start of play, Bavuma said the conditions were “favourable for the new ball,” as South Africa look to gain an early advantage with their potent seamers Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and spinner Keshav Maharaj. The team will be aiming to compensate for their relatively inexperienced batting lineup by relying heavily on their bowling strength.
Australia, led by Pat Cummins, expressed confidence in batting first despite the conditions. “It looks a good wicket, and cloud at the start is pretty normal for England. I think it’ll get drier as the match goes on and offer plenty of turn,” said Cummins.
Both teams announced their playing XIs ahead of the final. For Australia, all-rounder Cameron Green and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood returned from injury layoffs. Green, recovering from a back stress fracture sustained during last year’s ODI series in England, had surgery in October and made his comeback through county cricket with Gloucestershire. Hazlewood, returning from a calf strain, replaced Scott Boland in the bowling lineup.
Green’s inclusion prompted a reshuffle in Australia’s top order, with Marnus Labuschagne moving up to open alongside Usman Khawaja.
South Africa made notable changes too, promoting Wiaan Mulder to bat at No. 3—a position he has filled only twice previously. The team also included pacer Lungi Ngidi in place of veteran Dane Paterson. Ngidi returns after missing South Africa’s last seven Tests, all of which they won to secure their place in the WTC final.
Australia are the defending WTC champions, having defeated India in the final at The Oval two years ago. New Zealand won the inaugural edition in 2021.
Playing XIs:
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi.
