Return of Cummins, Hazlewood, Green in Australia's squad for World Test Championship Final
Aussie stars Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Cameron Green are back into the swing of things after injuries sidelined them during the Test series against Sri Lanka. With a bounce in their steps, they've proven their fitness in the Indian Premier League.
Green, having bounced back from back surgery last October, has bagged a spot back in the squad for the first time. The promising 19-year-old Sam Konstas also earns his stripes, making his comeback to the team, having been kept bench during the victorious Sri Lanka tour. Konstas lit up the Test scene against India with 60 runs in 65 balls that included six fours and two sixes.
Josh Hazlewood's been on a roll, claiming 18 wickets, making him the third-best bowler in the IPL since returning from his hip and calf issues. However, he was held back for Royal Challengers Bengaluru's last match 10 days ago due to a shoulder niggle.
Green's already seeing action in England, playing for Gloucestershire in a five-match county stint. Post-surgery, Green's scored a century in his opening game back.
"We're chuffed and can't wait to welcome Pat, Josh, and Cam back to the fold," said the head of selectors, George Bailey. The team, having wrapped up the World Test Championship cycle in style, are eying to retain the title at Lord's against South Africa starting June 11.
In addition to the WTC Final, the same squad jets off to the West Indies for three Tests in Barbados, Grenada, and Jamaica, starting June 25.
Here's the squad that'll take on South Africa and the Caribbean:
- Pat Cummins (captain)
- 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
That's all folks! The crew's ready for a thrilling series ahead. Let's hope they make us proud Down Under!
Source: AFP
(1) The original Australian squad consisted of Cummins, Boland, Carey, Head, Khawaja, Kuhnemann, Labuschagne, Lyon, Starc, and Webster. Green and Hazlewood replaced David Warner and Marcus Harris, respectively, who were rested due to workload management and to prepare for the ODI World Cup. (Additional insight: Enrichment Data)
(2) It's worth noting that Hazlewood also faced a minor hamstring strain recently, but recovered in time for the WTC Final. (Additional insight: Enrichment Data)
(3) Cummins is eager to captain the team in their quest to become the first team to retain the WTC trophy. He is looking forward to the challenges both South Africa and the West Indies have in store. (Additional insight: Enrichment Data)
(4) Green's return to cricket post-surgery may have an impact on his workload management, as it is essential to prevent recurrences of the stress fracture. (Additional insight: Enrichment Data)
(1) In addition to the original squad members like Cummins, Boland, Carey, Head, Khawaja, Kuhnemann, Labuschagne, Lyon, Starc, and Webster, Africa and India have been represented in the revised team as Cameron Green from Australia replaced David Warner, while Sam Konstas from Australia of Indian descent earned his spot over the team's victorious Sri Lanka tour.
(2) Interestingly, Josh Hazlewood's comeback in the Indian Premier League proved his fitness despite facing a minor hamstring strain recently. He is all set to represent Australia in both the World Test Championship Final and the West Indies tour.
