SA vs AUS WTC Final: 8 Players Who Have Played In 2023 Summit Clash Also Playing In 2025 Edition

SA vs AUS WTC Final: As Australia gear up to take on South Africa in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 at Lord's, a sense of familiarity blends with change. Eight players from the Aussie playing XI that clinched the WTC title in 2023 against India have once again made the cut, underlining the team's core continuity.

Skipper Pat Cummins, alongside experienced campaigners Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Nathan Lyon, and Mitchell Starc, retain their places in the lineup for this year's title bout.

This consistency reflects the strength and depth of Australia's red-ball side, even as the opposition has changed from India in 2023 to South Africa in 2025.

One major absentee from the current squad is veteran opener David Warner, who played a decent knock in the 2023 final but has since retired from Test cricket. In his place, Marnus Labuschagne has been surprisingly promoted to open the batting-a position he takes up for the first time in Test cricket.

With Australia having tried several options at the top-including Steve Smith and Travis Head-the move signals a bold call from the selectors.

Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood, who missed the 2023 final due to an Achilles and side issue, returns to the XI for the 2025 showdown. His inclusion comes at the expense of Scott Boland, who, despite an outstanding Test average of 17.66, finds himself once again on the sidelines. Hazlewood will join Cummins and Starc in the pace attack.

Beau Webster is the other fresh face in the squad. The all-rounder, capable of bowling both spin and medium pace, replaces Green as the designated all-round option, as Green continues to play purely as a batter following back surgery.

Australia's playing XI for the 2025 WTC Final: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood.

With a blend of proven performers and new experiments, Australia will aim to defend their title in what promises to be a gripping contest at the Home of Cricket.