Australia have revealed their squad for the highly anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) final and the following Test tour of West Indies, bringing back several key players to strengthen their squad. The group, which remains largely unchanged from the side that convincingly beat Sri Lanka and India last summer, will welcome the return of young all-rounder Cameron Green, who had been on the sidelines following back surgery.
Skipper Pat Cummins and pacer Josh Hazlewood also return to the side after missing Australia's Test series in Sri Lanka due to injury setbacks. Tyro Sam Konstas has also been added to the side. Other powerful batters featuring in the squad are Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Josh Inglis and Steve Smith. Australia, who are the defending champions, will face South Africa in the WTC finals at Lord's from June 11. Following the WTC final, Australia will tour West Indies for three Tests from June 26 to July 17.
"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," selection chair George Bailey said.
"Those series capped a consistent performance across the two-year cycle and now presents us with the incredibly exciting opportunity to defend the World Test Championship.
"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."
Australia squad for WTC final - 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