Defending World Test Championship (WTC) champions Australia will have an opening batting headache to solve ahead of their summit clash against South Africa, starting June 11 to 15 at Lord's Cricket Stadium. Ever since David Warner's retirement, the Aussies have not yet locked in a suitable opening partner for Usman Khawaja. The Pat Cummins-led side has tried Nathan McSweeney, Sam Konstas, and Josh Inglis at the top, but none of them has looked as authoritative and dominating as Warner was.
However, with Cameron Green fit and available for selection, Australia is keen to play him in the middle-order. In all probability, the team's number three batter, Marnus Labuschagne will open with Khawaja in the WTC final. This could be a blessing in disguise for the Labuschagne, who has of late struggled for form at number 3 position.
“We’ve got six of the best batsmen in the country, plenty of times where I’d prefer to bat in other positions, but beggars can’t be choosers. So you just be humble that you’re playing for Australia, and you take what you get and make the most out of it. It’s a team game and I know the best place to bat for the team is to open, so I’m very happy to open and do my thing. I’m sure if it’s the same for Marnus [and] he will 100 percent take that role. An opener can get out the first ball, then you’re batting with number three anyway. So, it’s not that big a deal,” Khawaja said.
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Usman Khawaja opines it won't be too difficult for Labuschagne to open the innings
Khawaja, who has cemented his place as one of the openers of the side, feels Labuschagne won't face much problem to adjust from number three to opening the innings. The southpaw feels on both occasions, the batter has to face the new ball and is expected to make the ball tire and lose its shine.
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“When you bat three, I think the opening is an easier transition. The only time it’s hard is when you bat second. You have to run off and change [into] your pads. Usually, when I was three, I just put my feet up. You don’t get to do that anymore. That’s the biggest difference. But Marnus is a terrific player. If he gets an opportunity, I’m sure he’ll be fine.”
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It is to be noted that Steven Smith, who was tried as the opening batter when Warner retired won't open for Australia this time in the WTC 2025 Final.
