Cummins, Green poised to rejoin Australia for WTC final

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    In the lead-up to the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa, Australiaโ€™s cricket team has bolstered its squad with the return of several key players who have been sidelined due to injury. Fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, alongside all-rounder Cameron Green, are making their comeback, while young batsman Sam Konstas retains his place in the lineup.
    The current WTC title holder, Australia, reached the championship final after securing an away victory over Sri Lanka, following a successful home series against India. Chief selector George Bailey expressed excitement about the opportunity to defend the title, emphasizing the significance of reaching the final for the team. He anticipates the challenge that South Africa will pose when they meet at Lordโ€™s in June.
    After the WTC final scheduled for June 11-15, the same squad is set to embark on a three-Test series tour in the Caribbean against the West Indies. Green, who has been absent from international matches since undergoing back surgery in September, continues his gradual return to cricket by currently participating at the county level in England.
    Meanwhile, captain Cummins had to sit out the two-Test series in Sri Lanka due to an ankle injury, and Hazlewood has not competed in Test matches since a side strain early in Australiaโ€™s series against India last November. Both bowlers have been actively participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which experienced a suspension last week due to border tensions between India and Pakistan but is resuming its schedule this weekend.
    Bailey commented positively about the returning players, expressing the teamโ€™s good fortune and anticipation of having Cummins, Hazlewood, and Green back. Sam Konstas garnered attention with his impressive half-century debut performance against India during the Boxing Day test in Melbourne. However, he was left out of the squad for the subsequent tour to Sri Lanka.
    Australiaโ€™s squad for the WTC final and ensuing Caribbean series comprises a blend of experienced players and rising talents, including captain Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Beau Webster.
    With the squad eager to showcase stability and skill, they gear up to defend their title and face new challenges with renewed vigor.