After Australia’s famous series win against India they booked a spot in the World Test Championship final against South Africa on June 11 at Lords.
You would have to assume that the selectors will be inclined to play a relatively unchanged 11 in the final due to the success of the current playing side. Here is my future side to take Australia back to the final in the next Test championship cycle.
1. Sam Konstas (19)
The revelation of the series, Konstas has no fear when he strides to the crease. A naturally aggressive batsman he showed that he is willing to take the game on ramping Bumrah three overs into his first-ever innings before he had even reached 10.
His aggressiveness was a blessing in disguise for the Australians as he was able to get under the skin of the Indians in a way that gave the Aussies a clear advantage. At only 19 years old Konstas will have a long and illustrious career ahead of him as long as he is able to keep his head on his shoulders.
2. Nathan McSweeney (25)
This position comes with a huge amount of unknown. The current opener Usman Khawaja is coming off a measly series averaging just 20.44 with limited impact on any of the games. At 38 years old my opinion would be for the selectors to move to a younger option.
Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja of Australia walk out of the player tunnel before batting prior to day one of the Third Test match in the series between Australia and India at The Gabba on December 14, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
While McSweeney hasn’t had a successful start to his career at only 25 he has plenty of time to grow as a young opener. A season opening at Shield level would be super important for his development and he has all the characteristics to be a long-time member of this Test team.
He was unfortunately outdone by Jasprit Bumrah more than once this recent series but who wasn’t. Australian selectors shouldn’t let one struggling series define his young career and giving him another chance would definitely be in their best interest.
3. Marnus Labuschagne (30)
While Labuschagne hasn’t been in a great run of form over the last couple of series his strong start to his Test career should warrant his selection. His unrelenting effort and ability to stay in the battle is important for a Test team transitioning to a young, less experienced 11. Two important knocks in the 70s at the MCG were vital for his confidence and there aren’t many better players in world cricket than an in form Marnus Labuschagne.
4. Cameron Green (25)
Green virtually picks himself if fit and healthy in every condition. He is clearly the future of Australian cricket with a clear development in his batting before his season ending injury.
The best part about Green is that he can also give a handy 10-15 overs an innings bowling at some serious height and speed. The selectors will be able to pick and extra batsman or spinner in the subcontinent as he can carry a pace bowling load and will allow an incredible amount of flexibility in the lineup.
5. Travis Head (31)
Another player who virtually picks himself, Head has improved dramatically becoming one of the most dominant players in world cricket. An amazing 2024 scoring 608 runs at an average of 40.53 lock in his selection, but his strike rate of 85.3 could be the most impressive of his statistics. His ability to put away attacks and launch instant counter attacks is vital for an aggressive Australian team.
6. Beau Webster (31)
Webster has a very impressive debut game against India, recording 96 runs and a wicket and looks to be one to fill the all rounder position. With Green also in the side the amount of different looks they can throw at oppositions will be scary. Webster’s Shield form is so strong as well he would’ve made my team even if he didn’t play in Sydney and have a really strong first game.
7. Alex Carey (33)
There is a sense of certainty to this position, with Carey having a strong run in the Test team now for a number of years. His calm and collected batting is important for an Australian team that manages to collapse at least once a Test. His strongest reason for his selection though is his sublime keeping, managing to be almost perfect every game he is behind the stumps.
Pat Cummins celebrates dismissing Rohit Sharma. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
8. Patrick Cummins (c) (31)
The captain is another clear lock in this team. One of the most dominant bowlers in the modern era his ability to change the game is inspirational for his team. He is even a very capable bat making many important runs in the lower order. Expect Cummins captaincy to remain for a very long time.
9. Todd Murphy (24)
Murphy deserves a strong run at the Australian side as they enter a stage where Nathan Lyon is no longer the dominant spinner he once was. Murphy has a knack of picking up important wickets and his ability to put pressure on batsmen is excellent however this position was nowhere near a lock for me.
There are two other spinners I believe could be very strong potential test bowlers being South Australia’s Lloyd Pope and Queensland’s Matthew Kuhnemann. I chose to go with Murphy as I believe he is the most consistent of all three.
10. Scott Boland (35)
Boland’s strong form in his Test career has him taking up a spot in the short term for Fergus O’Neill to take over from him when he calls time on his career. His average of only 17.66 and strike rate of 38.2 has him going down as one of the best strike bowlers of all time. At 35 years old he doesn’t have long left in his Test career which means the selectors could choose a younger direction than the Victorian talisman.
11. Josh Hazelwood (33)
To round out the 11 Hazelwood fits an important role of being another strike bowler. Currently one of the best bowlers in the world Hazelwood is an instant selection in my team as his ability to play in all conditions and constantly bother the batsmen is super important in a dominant test side.
The next 4 –
Steven Smith (35 years old )
Fergus O’Neill (23 years old)
Lloyd Pope (25 years old)
Josh Inglis (29 years old)
Who do you think should make the XI?
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