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Australia is all set to lock horns against South Africa for the World Test Championship (WTC) final at the Lord`s Cricket Ground. The title clash is set to be in action from June 11 to 15.
When asked if the WTC final will be the last appearance for Steve Smith in whites at Lord`s, “I think it is probably, outside of Sydney, my favourite ground to play at. The history, the surface itself. It always takes a few balls just to get used to that slope. One end, you feel like you are standing really tall, the other end, you feel like you are falling over a little bit. But the ball races away, both up the hill and down the hill,” he told ESPNCricinfo.
Pat Cummins and his men will look to retain their WTC mace, which they won by defeating India in the previous edition. In the upcoming title clash, if they manage to secure a win over South Africa, they will then become the first team to defend the WTC title.
After concluding with the WTC final, Steve Smith will likely start preparing for the England tour in 2027. In the same year, the Baggy Greens will face Team India for a five-match Test series.
Speaking on the further assignments, Smith stated that he is taking things day by day.
“I am definitely not looking that far ahead. I am kind of taking it day by day. While I am enjoying it, while I am batting nicely and feeling like I am contributing to the team, I am pretty happy. But that [2027] is a while away,” said the 36-year-old.
World Test Championship (WTC) final: Full Squads
Australia`s squad: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann. Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett.
South Africa`s squad: Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy.
(With ANI Inputs)
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