5 Burning Questions for Pat Cummins ahead of WTC final at Lord’s

Cathy Rush18 hours ago

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5 Burning Questions for Pat Cummins ahead of WTC final at Lord’s

From Greenus Labschagan’s lean patch for Australia in the WTC final, Green’s dilemma and rapid bowling condrum headline pre-matches debate.

On the eve of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s, Australia find themselves with a familiar but welcome headache. With a surplus of talent and a shortage of certainties, Australia can make multiple lineups to defend their Test championship title. The squad, named for both the one-off Test and the West Indies tour, leaves several spots up for debate.

1. Does Marnus Labuschagne still deserve a spot?

Marnus Labuschagne has been a fixture in the Australian Test side since 2019, but recent form has left plenty to ponder. In this WTC cycle, he’s averaged just 28.33 with no centuries since the 2023 Ashes. His scoring rate has also dipped, with just 46.4 in the past two years compared to his career strike rate of 51.94. His county stint with Glamorgan hasn’t offered much hope either: scores of 0, 4, and 23 in three innings.

With conditions at Lord’s expected to assist seam and swing, questions linger whether Labuschagne can handle the new ball against the likes of Kagiso Rabada, especially after struggles against Jasprit Bumrah during the India series.

2. Should Cameron Green take the No. 3 slot?

Cameron Green’s resurgence post-back surgery has been one of Australia’s biggest positives in 2025. Although he’s been playing as a batter only, he has looked in sublime touch in county cricket for Gloucestershire, scoring 128, 67*, 118*, and 25 in his recent outings. In nine innings, he has averaged 66.71.

Although Green cannot bowl at the WTC Final, he is a solid enough option to provide stability at number three. “I’m always going to keep bowling, but you’re so much more relaxed [with] Half game to worry“He told Espncricinfo.

“When you are bowling and batting, there is a lot that you have to bowl-wise to keep yourself fit and be ready to play. It takes away from batting. Surely, just the batting is good.”

3. Who opens with Usman Khwaja?

Usman Khwaja remains anchor at the top, but his partner remains unresolved. The Travis Head was tried in Sri Lanka, but it is not expected that he should rebuild that role only because of the situation. Sam Contas, which was affected during the India series at home, is an option, but the lack of their experience in English conditions creates a risk.

If the Contas is bench, the labuschagne may proceed to open, a step that has been estimated for some time. But this would mean that there may be two defensive openers in Australia. The form of Labuschagne has also not been great.

4. Illis or Kerry, or both?

Alex Kerry and Josh Iglis are both in Xi, at least as approximate, Kerry expected to take gloves. However, if Iglis plays purely as a batsman, it can disturb the balance, especially under investigation with the top order. Instead of English, a person like Bu Webster in Australia can be included, who can roll his hand and also has a powerful threat. Pat Cummins needs to take a decision soon.

5. Is Scott Bolland enough to keep Josh Hazlewood?

The age-old fight between stability and horses continues. Josh Hazlewood, a strong IPL campaign should have fresh, an automated option. But Scott Bolland, known for its tireless accuracy and ability to take advantage of English conditions with Duke Ball, presents a compelling case. The selectors can stick to the reliable trio of Cummins, Stark and Hazelwood-but the style of Bolland can be tailor for Lords. Read more about Hazelwood vs. Bolland here.