The day has arrived, and the two Reb Ball cricket powerhouses are all set for the final clash at the Lord’s for the WTC 2023-2025 leg. Australia and South Africa will compete for the title at the iconic Lord’s. After winning the toss, the Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma opted to bowl first and invited the Kangaroos to open with the bat. But to everyone’s surprise, alongside Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne was seen coming out to open for Australia. This was the fifth change in the opening pair since David Warner’s retirement from Tests. Cricket pundits have been speculating that these constant changes might cost them the title.
Also Read: SA Vs AUS, WTC Final: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London – Pitch Report And Weather Forecast
The new opening pair#UsmanKhawaja and #MarnusLabuschagne pic.twitter.com/9kuNqWObBJ
— atharva (@that_atharva) June 10, 2025
An Opening Merry-Go-Round
Since David Warner retired from Test cricket, Usman Khawaja has had many open partners. Steve Smith opened with him in 4 Tests against West Indies and New Zealand from January to March 2024. Then, Nathan McSweeney joined Khawaja for 3 Tests against India in November and December 2024. After that, Sam Konstas opened in 2 Tests against India between December 2024 and January 2025. In early 2025, Travis Head opened in 2 Tests against Sri Lanka. Marnus Labuschagne opened with Khawaja in the World Test Championship Final against South Africa in June 2025. This shows that Australia is still trying to find a stable opening partner for Khawaja.
Playing XIs
South Africa (Playing XI): Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma(c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne(w), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Australia (Playing XI): Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
