Ever since David Warner’s retirement, Australia have been exploring options to solidify their opening partnership alongside Usman Khawaja. With the World Test Championship final approaching, the team is yet to find a suitable replacement.
Reports suggest that No. 3 batter Marnus Labuschagne is the selectors’ preferred choice over 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who recently debuted against India.
Labuschagne has opened the batting 15 times in first-class cricket. Given his vast experience and 11 Test centuries, he could be a dependable option at the top, as noted by opener Khawaja himself.
“The best place for me to bat for the team is to open. So I’m very happy to open and do my role for the team. I’m sure it’s the same for Marnus—I’m 100% sure he’ll take on that role,” Khawaja said during an interaction with Prime Video. “When you bat at three, opening is an easier transition. The only tricky part is when you bat second—you have to rush off and get padded up quickly. I used to relax a bit at number three; you don’t get to do that anymore. That’s the biggest change. But Marnus is a terrific player. If he gets the opportunity, I’m sure he’ll be fine.”
“Beggars can’t be choosers” – Khawaja on playing for Australia
Khawaja, who began his Test career in the middle order, earned the opening slot during the 2021–22 Ashes series and hasn’t looked back since. Across both the previous and current WTC cycles, he has been Australia’s leading run-scorer.
“You don’t always get to choose in Australia. You’ve got six of the best batsmen in the country. As I’ve said before, there were many times I’d have preferred to bat in other positions. But beggars can’t be choosers—you just have to be humble and grateful that you’re playing for Australia,” he added.
Australia have experimented with Steven Smith, Nathan McSweeney, Sam Konstas, and Travis Head at the top of the order, but none have managed to cement the role. Now, it appears Labuschagne will serve as a makeshift opener to accommodate Cameron Green, who has been in exceptional form in county cricket.
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