Aus vs sa test championship final news
First, I'll start by checking each webpage to find key points. Webpage 1 mentions that South Africa initially ordered their players to leave the IPL by May 25 to prepare for the final, while Australia allowed their players to decide. The final is scheduled for June 11 at Lord's. South Africa has eight Test players in the IPL, like Rabada and Markram, while Australia has five, including Cummins and Starc. Webpage 2 talks about South Africa's backflip due to pressure from India, changing their stance to allow players to stay in the IPL until June 3, cutting their preparation time. They were supposed to play a warm-up against Zimbabwe starting June 3, but that might be revised.
Webpage 3 and 8 list South Africa's squad, noting the return of Lungi Ngidi and the core team. Australia's squad is mentioned in webpages 4, 5, 7, and 8, highlighting Cummins, Hazlewood, and Green returning from injuries. Green is coming back from a back injury and playing as a batter.
Webpage 6 confirms the IPL resumption and South Africa's U-turn, allowing their players to participate longer. The IPL final is now June 3, just eight days before the WTC final.
I should structure the answer by covering both teams' squads, player availability issues due to the IPL, preparation schedules, and key players returning from injuries. Also, mention the impact of the IPL's rescheduling on South Africa's preparation, contrasting with Australia's approach. Need to cite the relevant webpages for each point. Make sure to highlight the date changes and how it affects both teams. Check if there are any other details like warm-up matches or security concerns mentioned. Also, note that Australia isn't having a warm-up match, focusing on training insteadKey Updates
Player Availability & IPL Conflict
South Africa initially demanded their Test players return from the IPL by May 25 to prepare for the WTC final. However, after pressure from Indian cricket authorities (BCCI/IPL franchises), they backtracked, allowing players to stay in India until June 3, just eight days before the final 128. This cuts their preparation time, as they were originally scheduled for a warm-up match against Zimbabwe starting June 3 28.
Australia has left the decision to players, with most (e.g., Pat Cummins, Travis Head) returning to finish the IPL season. Josh Hazlewood withdrew due to injury, while Mitchell Starc and Josh Inglis remain undecided 126.
Squad Announcements
South Africa: Led by Temba Bavuma, the 15-member squad includes key players like Kagiso Rabada (back from suspension), Lungi Ngidi (returning from injury), Aiden Markram, and Marco Jansen. Spin options include Keshav Maharaj 410.
Australia: Pat Cummins (captain), Josh Hazlewood, and Cameron Green return from injuries. Green, recovering from back surgery, is included as a batter-only option. Teenager Sam Konstas is named as a specialist opener, while Matthew Kuhnemann replaces Todd Murphy as the second spinner 569.
IPL Impact on Preparation
South Africa’s IPL-bound players (Rabada, Markram, Ngidi, Jansen, etc.) will have limited time to adjust from T20 to Test cricket. Their warm-up against Zimbabwe may be revised or canceled 28.
Australia’s IPL participants (Cummins, Head, Starc) will have a shorter turnaround but prioritize training over a warm-up match 69.
Historical Context
Australia won the inaugural WTC in 2023 and aims to defend its title. South Africa is competing in its first WTC final after topping the league stage with an 8-win campaign 410.
India’s IPL influence has again affected WTC preparations, similar to 2023 when Indian players arrived late for the final 25.
Key Players to Watch
Australia: Cameron Green’s batting form, Cummins’ leadership, and Hazlewood’s fitness.
South Africa: Rabada’s pace attack, Ngidi’s comeback, and Bavuma’s captaincy under pressure 4910.Schedule & Logistics
WTC Final: June 11–15, Lord’s, London.
Australia’s Post-Final Plans: A three-Test series in the West Indies starting June 25 59.
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