Marnus Labuschagne will open the batting for Australia in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s, starting on Wednesday. Marnus Labuschagne has never opened in Test cricket and moves up from number three, which will be occupied by the returning Cameron Green.
In moving to the top of the order, Marnus Labuschagne becomes Usman Khawaja’s fifth different opening partner since David Warner retired at the beginning of 2024. All-rounder Beau Webster keeps his place at number six and Josh Hazlewood gets the nod over fellow pace bowler Scott Boland.
Marnus Labuschagne to open with Cameron Green at No 3
The Australian team has decided to go ahead with Marnus Labuschagne to partner up with Usman Khawaja for the opening position in the World Test Championship final against South Africa. The defending WTC champions have failed to find a solution for the big gap at the opening slot since the retirement of David Warner 17 months ago.
Steve Smith was the first one who put his hands up for the big role after Warner’s retirement, but the move didn’t pan out well and he was dropped to his old position at number after just four Tests. Nathan McSweeney got the chance to fill in the big shoes in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but he failed to get going against Jasprit Bumrah and Co. Sam Konstas was thrust into the side during the home series. He scored a blazing 60 on debut, but was less effective in the next Test and was jettisoned in favour of Travis Head for Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka.
Cameron Green, who recently recovered from the injury, got back into the Australia XI straightaway for the massive clash. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been selected ahead of Scott Boland, with all-rounder Beau Webster included to provide back-up overs, given Green is still not fit to bowl. Boland took 10 wickets in his last Test as Australia defeated India in Sydney to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and secure a spot in the WTC final.
But he has never played at Lord’s, where Hazlewood, only recently returned from a shoulder problem in the Indian Premier League, has taken 13 wickets in three Tests. Australian Pat Cummins has backed this strategy from Australia citing depth in the batting line up while opposition skipper Temba Bavuma senses an opprtunity of early wickets when the match starts.
Pat Cummins in all support of Top 3 batting positions for Australia
Australia captain Pat Cummins has backed Marnus Labuschagne to open the innings in the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s, a decision that marks a key shift in the team’s top-order strategy.
Pat Cummins has selected Marnus Labuschagne to open the innings alongside Usman Khawaja, hoping the 30-year-old can be a long-term solution to the spot that has seen quite a few batters attempt to replace David Warner. Labuschagne, who has never opened in Test cricket, has just one Test century to his name since the end of 2022 and failed to make much of an impression in two matches for the County side Glamorgan earlier this month.
“I think Cam Green, the last few weeks he’s had, is coming back in great form, we thought he deserves a spot somewhere in the batting line-up. We thought three probably suited him best. And then, you know, with Marnus moving, we thought it’s, you know, one spot up really. It’s not too different from batting at three.
He’s done well here in England in the past. You know, all the boys have trained well. He, Sam ( Konstas), and Josh Inglis have all trained really well. But I thought the selectors went with Marnus’s experience, (not only) here at Lord’s, but in England in general,” Cummins told reporters in London on Tuesday.
The skipper further explained that while opening in English conditions presents unique challenges, it can also offer early scoring opportunities, especially before the Dukes ball starts to swing significantly.
“Opening the batting can be tough, but it can also be the best time to bat. There’s an opportunity to score there,” he said.
Marnus Labuschagne, the former World No.1 Test batter, will walk out alongside Usman Khawaja at the top of the order, with Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, and Beau Webster forming a solid middle order. Cameron Green returns to the Test side after recovering from back surgery, while Webster retains his spot to offer valuable all-round support, including part-time medium pace and spin.
The reshaped top order will be tasked with laying the foundations against Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi, with the latter having won a tight selection race ahead of Dane Paterson.
“I think there is an opportunity there,” South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said when asked about Australia’s opening situation.
“I think the conditions as well, I believe, bring us into the game a lot. With the swinging ball, [it’s] very different to Australian conditions. Different to South African conditions as well. So that definitely gives us an opportunity.
Australia had reached their second successive WTC final by finishing second in the 2023-25 table. They bagged 13 wins from 19 matches, amassing a points percentage of 67.54. The Cummins-led Australia could become the first side to defend their WTC title. Australia are the only side with each of the four ICC trophies. They could now clinch their 11th ICC title.
Australia’s Playing XI : Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (Wicket-keeper), Pat Cummins (Captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood.
Also Read: ICC WTC 2023-25: “We Are Playing For A Trophy”- Mark Boucher’s Direct Jibe Ahead Of Final