SA vs AUS, WTC 2025 Final: Australia announce Shock Opening Pair before South Africa Clash

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Australia have announced their playing XI for the 2025 World Test Championship Final against South Africa at Lord's, with skipper Pat Cummins confirming a reshuffled top order.

As the Aussies take on South Africa in the crucial WTC 2025 final, Cummins confirmed a massive change in their batting order, as the finale clash starts from Wednesday (June 11).

As Cricket Australia announced, Marnus Labuschagne will move up to open alongside Usman Khawaja, while a fully fit Cameron Green returns to the XI at No.3 in a bold reshuffle that sees the Queenslander take on a fresh challenge.

"Cam Green, the last few weeks, he's had coming back in great form, we thought he deserves a spot somewhere in the batting line-up," Cummins said on the eve of the final.

"We thought three probably suits him best. And then with Marnus moving, we thought it's one spot up, it's not too different to batting at three. He's done well here in England in the past," he added.

Despite heavy competition in the squad, selectors opted for experience and balance. Josh Hazlewood has been preferred over Scott Boland in the seam attack, while Beau Webster retains his spot at No.6 and will offer handy overs with the ball.

"All the boys have trained well, him, Sam and Josh Inglis have all trained really well but I thought selectors went with Marnus' experience and he's done well here at Lord's and England in general," Cummins added.

It will be a gigantic test of skill and mentality for Labuschagne, who will have to face the new ball along with Khawaja. The 30-year-old has played across no. 3 to no. 7, but this will be his first match as an opening batter. Labuschagne also comes into the WTC final on the back of horrendous form, averaging 14.50 in this calendar year after 5 innings.

Australia Playing 11 vs South Africa for WTC 2025 Final

Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.