Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne has shown strong support for Usman Khawaja, whose place in the playing eleven has come under scrutiny ahead of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane. With debates going on about the make-up of Australia’s opening order after the win in Perth, Labuschagne made it clear that Khawaja is an important player and that he himself will not be moving up the order, even if changes are made.
Speaking at the Gabba, where the day–night Test will begin on Thursday, Labuschagne praised Khawaja’s experience and ability, saying, “I don’t think he needs advice,” he told reporters. “He’s 38, he’s been around the block a long time … he’s an amazing player. And the way he’s gone about his game, the way he’s gone from a number three, four and then to open the batting, and the way he’s done that and navigated some tricky scenarios — he’s just been awesome.”
Labuschagne, who bats at number three, was dropped during the West Indies tour in June and July due to a poor run of form with the bat. He made a comeback through several domestic matches. In the first Test, he helped Australia to a win by scoring a half-century in the second innings. Reflecting on the win in Perth, Labuschagne said, “I personally took a lot away from that. To be able to go out there and finish the game off, build that partnership with Trav and be able to play some really free-flowing cricket was really exciting.”
Having won the series opener, Australia lead the five-match series 1–0 going into the second Test.
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