Australian duo in top form ahead of Test clash with South Africa

Australia’s Cameron Green and Matthew Kuhnemann have hit top gear just in time for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa. Both players starred in recent County Championship matches in England, showcasing strong form ahead of the big game.

Green Hits Third Century of UK Season

Cameron Green scored an unbeaten 118 for Gloucestershire against Northamptonshire. Coming in at 156/4, the Australian allrounder steadied the innings with eight fours and three sixes. His knock helped Gloucestershire post 379/8 before captain Cameron Bancroft declared.

This was Green’s third century in five County Championship matches. He now has 442 runs at an average of over 73 in the ongoing UK season. After a long injury lay-off, this run of form is a big boost for Australia’s Test squad. Green has one more match before he joins the WTC Final camp.

Kuhnemann Grabs Career-Best 6/53

Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann also made headlines. Playing for Glamorgan, he picked up 6/53 in the second innings against Middlesex. His efforts helped Glamorgan to a 10-wicket win at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.

Kuhnemann ripped through Middlesex’s top order before lunch and returned to finish off the tail. This was his best first-class bowling performance and it came in his only appearance this season for the Welsh side. His performance gives Australia another spin option heading into the WTC Final.

Mixed Outing for Labuschagne, Quiet for Paterson

Marnus Labuschagne, Australia’s key batter, had a quiet outing. He scored just 23 in the first innings and did not bat again in the second, as Glamorgan chased down eight runs. South Africa’s Dane Paterson, playing for Middlesex, did not dismiss Labuschagne.

Labuschagne goes into the WTC Final with only 27 runs in three UK innings this year. However, his past record and experience will still make him a vital player.

The WTC Final between Australia and South Africa is set to be an intense contest. With players like Green and Kuhnemann hitting top form, Australia will be confident. South Africa, too, will look to build on their fast-bowling strength and rising young talent.

WTC Final Squads

South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (capt), David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy.

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann.
Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett.

Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram