For the opening slot in the World Test Championship final against South Africa, the Australian team has chosen to move forward with Marnus Labuschagne as Usman Khawaja's partner. Since David Warner's retirement 17 months ago, the reigning WTC champions have been unable to fill the significant hole at the opening position.

Following Warner's departure, Steve Smith was the first person to volunteer for the important position, but the move was unsuccessful and he was returned to his previous position at number after just four tests. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Nathan McSweeney was given the opportunity to take over the large shoes, but he was unable to get started against Jasprit Bumrah and Co. Sam Konstas was brought into the team throughout the home series. He had a scorching 60 on his debut, but he was less productive in the subsequent Test and was dropped in favor of Travis Head for Australia's trip to Sri Lanka.

However, Labuschagne, who is most well-known as a number three, has been moved up to open for the first time in his Test career as Head has returned to five.

Following his recent recovery from the injury, Cameron Green was immediately reinstated to the Australia XI for the important encounter.

"We thought Cam Green deserved a place somewhere in the batting lineup after the last few weeks, when he had been coming back in great form," Cummins remarked on the eve of the championship game.

"We think three is probably the best fit for him.

"And then, with Marnus's movement, we thought it was one spot up, not that different from hitting at three." He has previously performed well in England.

Scott Boland was selected above Josh Hazlewood

Given that Green is still not in shape to bowl, Josh Hazlewood has been chosen as the speed bowler over Scott Boland, while Beau Webster, an all-rounder, has been included to supply backup overs.

In his final Test, Boland grabbed 10 wickets as Australia won in Sydney to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and secure a place in the WTC championship game.

However, he has never played at Lord's, where Hazlewood has taken 13 wickets in three Tests since just returning from a shoulder injury sustained in the Indian Premier League.

Fellow paceman Cummins stated, "There are some guys where you genuinely say, you've done nothing wrong, don't change a thing and that's Scotty. It's just really unfortunate that he missed out."

Australia's XI

Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wkt), Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

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