In Beckenham, the Australian Test squad prepared for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final against South Africa, with Steve Smith impressing as he looked right at home. While much of the squad shook off the travel rust, Smith’s sharpness and intent stood out in what was a crucial first full training session on English soil. Alongside, Mitchell Starc was lethal as always.
Advantage Steve Smith at WTC Final
Smith has always looked comfortable in England, and Wednesday’s intense session only showed his love for the conditions. Batting for long spells alongside Marnus Labuschagne and openers Usman Khawaja and Sam Konstas, the 34-year-old seemed to be getting into rhythm just in time for another landmark Test at Lord’s.
There’s an opening conundrum for Australia for the Ultimate Test as to who will open with Khawaja. Labuschange brings in pedigree and experience, while Konstas gave a glimpse of his X-Factor during the BGT.
“I am excited to be back in the UK (United Kingdom) for another World Test Championship Final,” Smith told ICC Digital after the session. “It is great to be here and I love playing cricket in England. It’s a little bit fresh today and there is a little bit of wind around, but it’s nice to start our preparation and get a bit of rhythm, hit quite a few balls and we are looking forward to Lord’s now” He scored 215 there in 2015 and followed it with another century during the Ashes in 2023. Australia won both of those Tests.
| Mat | Inns | Runs | HS | Avg | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | 42 | 2255 | 215 | 55.00 | 8 | 9 |
Is Australia prepared to counter Marco Jansen?
The Australians trained for nearly three-and-a-half hours, with Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and reserve pacer Brendan Doggett putting in extended spells. Notably, local bowlers mimicking Marco Jansen’s left-arm bounce were also in action, a clear sign that Australia are treating South Africa’s bowling threat with full respect.
While Josh Hazlewood and Josh Inglis are yet to join the camp, the focus is firmly on nailing combinations. With question marks still hovering around the second opener’s slot, with Konstas or Labuschagne being the options, the session provided vital clarity in the build-up.
For Smith, who will slot in at No. 4, the equation is simple: enjoy the English summer, soak in the Lord’s atmosphere, and do what he does best—score runs when it matters most.
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