Australia’s heavy defeat to South Africa in the 2025 World Test Championship Final at Lord’s has raised serious questions about the future of some of their senior players.
Several veterans underperformed in the big match, and with the next WTC final two years away, their place in the side is under scrutiny.
Usman Khawaja – Age and Form a Worry
Khawaja failed to deliver in both innings of the final. At 38, with his form dipping, it’s uncertain if he will be in contention by the next WTC cycle.
Nathan Lyon – Ineffective on Flat Surfaces
The senior spinner went wicketless in both innings. With limited impact on non-turning tracks and younger spinners emerging, Lyon’s role may soon be reassessed.
Steve Smith – Struggling with Consistency
Smith, once Australia’s batting pillar, has been battling poor form. If his struggles continue, the selectors may look to invest in younger talent for the future.
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Coach McDonald suggested potential top-order changes
Speaking on Australia’s WTC Final to South Africa, Australia head coach Andrew McDonald signaled that changes to the top-order batting lineup are likely as the team gears up to begin their new World Test Championship cycle with a tour of the West Indies.
The first Test between Australia and Windies will be played from June 25 onwards in Barbados.
“It was a big discussion leading into this Test match, and I was on the record a couple of weeks ago talking about the need to bed down that opening combination. We’ve had a bit of musical chairs there, so it might be the time.
“But as we sit here right now, you got to say that South Africa were better in this Test match. We’ve got to look at the improvements that we need to make. There’s no doubt about that,” said McDonald to reporters on Sunday.
