The Indian Premier League (IPL) might be hogging all the focus, but the World Test Champions (WTC) Final 2025 is also on many a mind. The showdown for the Test mace will take place at Lord’s from June 11 to 15 between Australia and South Africa.
Most of the bowlers from both teams are playing in the IPL 2025 season. Since the tournament ends on May 25, the recovery period will be short, so selection might become tricky.
Starc-Cummins-Hazlewood & Lyon
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri was asked about Australia’s attack for the WTC Final 2025. For him, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon are locks. And for the fourth bowler, there is a toss-up between Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland. And fitness will play a major role. “It will be a very tough choice, but if Hazelwood is fit, then he gets the nod ahead of Boland,” Shastri told The ICC Review.
Hazlewood couldn’t play 3 Test matches against India and has had several injury issues over the years. After 2 months of playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who knows how his body will hold up? But if fit, Shastri will pick Hazlewood over Boland.
“If Hazlewood is fit to do that, he will definitely get the nod for two reasons. One, the English conditions; two, Lord’s with the slope. And the reason I say Lord’s slope is Hazlewood is most likened to Glenn McGrath. And you’ve got to just check Glenn McGrath’s record at Lord’s, with the slope around and bowling from the Commentary Box end,” he said.
“He (McGrath) could be lethal with the ball, either seaming back or going away, and from either end, to be honest, and I think Hazlewood can do something similar with his height,” Shastri added.
Why chance for Scott Boland?
Usually, Australia opts for 3 pacers and 1 spinner. Combined with one or two pace-bowling all-rounders. And they’ll likely do that against South Africa at Lord’s for the WTC Final 2025. But if the conditions demand another quick, Shastri will pick Boland without missing a beat.
“The pitches aren’t as quick as in Australia. So you need that extra bit of height and bounce, which he will get as opposed to Scott Boland, though I’m a big fan of Scott Boland. Ideally, you want to play all four (seamers) if you get half a chance and if there’s a little more grass on the surface,” Shastri concluded.
