WTC Final | Matthew Hayden feels this factor could be important for Australia`s

Ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa, former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden said that experience is the key to the national team`s success in the title clash.

“It`s a great dynamic position to have, coming into just one test, and that`s why I think experience is really key. Guys, knowing each other`s games really well, knowing the venue well, you know, sort of almost getting back into the driving seat of your vehicle and not having to change or alter the line-up because someone else has been in it. Yeah, just all those sorts of comfort zones, plus I think the connection that Australia naturally has to the home of cricket,” Hayden said on Star Sports.

The WTC final is all set to be scheduled from June 11 to 15 at the Lord`s Cricket Ground. If the Pat Cummins-led side manages to secure a win over the Proteas, the side will then become the first team to defend the WTC mace successfully.

So far, Australia has managed to register 18 wins at England`s `Home of Cricket`. This also marks the Baggy Greens` dominance at the venue.

Further speaking, Hayden also stated the importance of Lord`s stadium and how much history that venue holds.

“I mean when you think about the famous tussles with England and Australia, you straight away probably go to two venues, Boxing Day at Melbourne and Lord`s in England. I guess from a young age as kids we`ve always kind of been brought up understanding how special that venue is, how much history it has and embracing that as something that Australia does very well,” he added.

Ahead of the WTCH final, Josh Hazlewood would be one of the top players to watch out for from the Australian squad. The pacer has returned after clinching the IPL 2025 title after 17 years with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

WTC final: Squads

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

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

(With ANI Inputs)

This article first appeared on Mid Day