Ricky Ponting predicts Australia’s playing XI for WTC final showdown with South Africa

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has shared his predicted playing XI for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final, where Australia will take on South Africa at Lord’s from June 11 to 15.

Australia recently named a strong 15-member squad for the high-stakes final, but head coach Andrew McDonald has confirmed that final team selections will only be made after the squad gathers in London.

While most of the Australian side looks settled, a few key questions remain — particularly over who will open with Usman Khawaja, whether Marnus Labuschagne retains his spot at number three, where Cameron Green should bat, and whether Josh Hazlewood or Scott Boland should be picked in the pace attack.

Speaking on the latest episode of The ICC Review, Ponting addressed all these points while revealing the team he expects Australia to field.

"I have just got a bit of a feeling that Marnus Labuschagne might be pushed up the order to open the batting with Khawaja," Ponting said.

"I think Green will bat at three and Steve Smith will be at four," he added. 

"Then it's Travis Head five, Beau Webster six, Carey at seven, Cummins eight, Starc nine and Lyon 10," he further added. 

"And the one that everyone talks about the last couple of years is the whole Hazlewood (versus) Boland one. It's a really tough selection because every time Boland plays, he just does so well. But unfortunately, if Hazlewood is fit, I think Hazlewood comes straight back into the team," he further stated. 

Ponting admitted the biggest selection headache is whether Labuschagne, who has struggled with form lately, can adjust to opening — a position he hasn't played in Tests. Labuschagne has managed just one Test century since 2022 and didn’t impress during his recent County stint with Glamorgan.

Despite this, Ponting believes selectors will trust Labuschagne based on experience and team consistency.

"I actually think that they will go with Labuschagne," he said.

"Looking back to the last World Test Championship Final there was some talk about David Warner and whether he should hold his spot going into that," he stated. 

"And there was a bit of talk around the team about wanting to get through that period or that phase or if you like, with the same group of players and give them the chance to, to be able to play off in that one-off final. Labuschagne has been through this cycle with the team, albeit batting at No.3 and I think they will want to get through the cycle with the same players so I think Labuschagne will get the nod," he noted. 

"Whether I agree with it or not, it's a different thing...all will be revealed in the next couple of weeks," he concluded. 

Ponting wrapped up by saying that although he may have personal doubts about some choices, he understands the logic behind them and expects things to become clearer soon.

Ricky Ponting's playing XI for WTC final: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.