The Dukes ball is back to haunt Australia, with the ICC confirming its use for the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s from June 11, despite both finalists favouring the Kookaburra in their home conditions.
The decision drags Australia into familiar, uncomfortable territory. Memories of the controversial 2023 Ashes still linger, when a mid-Test ball change triggered a dramatic collapse and saw Ricky Ponting call for an inquiry.
While Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh found ways to thrive against the Dukes, the broader batting unit hasn’t enjoyed the same success. Since 2015, Australian batters average 31.1 with the Dukes, compared to significantly higher returns with the Kookaburra.
Hazlewood in the mix, Labuschagne under pressure
Josh Hazlewood’s white-hot IPL form has launched him back into contention for a spot in the final XI, potentially ahead of Scott Boland, who faltered after the WTC win over India. Hazlewood’s English record speaks volumes—52 wickets at 26 apiece, and with South Africa unlikely to mimic England’s Bazball, the paceman’s control may be preferred.
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But there’s no such certainty in the batting order.
Marnus Labuschagne is clinging to his place amid a lukewarm run of form, with Cameron Green knocking at the door. Labuschagne’s saving grace? A solid record in England: one century, five fifties and an average of 39 from ten Tests. Green, meanwhile, averages just 19 in English conditions and has yet to pass 50.
Australia will head into the final without a warm-up game, opting for a focused training block after the IPL.
And while the Proteas’ batting looks vulnerable, their pace attack led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen will relish the return of the swinging Dukes.