Labuschagne's Future Bright: Khawaja's Support for Aussie Opener

Khawaja Backs Labuschagne to Open if Needed for WTC Final Usman Khawaja has thrown his support behind Marnus Labuschagne potentially opening the batting in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s, acknowledging that personal preference should sometimes give way to team needs. Labuschagne, a career No. 3, is seen as the front-runner to partner Khawaja at the top following David Warner’s retirement, although he has previously expressed discomfort with the idea—joking last year about having "opening-itis". “He’s joked about it, but sometimes you have to do what’s best for the team,” Khawaja said. “I think he’ll be fine if that’s what the selectors go with.” Australia’s reshuffle could be temporary or signal a longer-term transition, with Cameron Green's form and Travis Head’s flexibility also giving selectors options in the middle order. The final begins June 13 at Lord’s, and Australia are expected to confirm their XI closer to the match. Labuschagne Set to Open in WTC Final as Selectors Prioritise Experience Marnus Labuschagne is poised to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order in the World Test Championship final against South Africa, with selectors leaning on his proven Test record over youth in a crucial selection call ahead of the Ashes later this year. Despite his admitted discomfort with opening—joking previously about having “opening-itis”—Labuschagne appears the preferred option over 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who debuted against India earlier this year as a bold, aggressive pick. The move suggests a preference for stability and experience, with Labuschagne’s 11 Test hundreds giving him the edge. The other selection questions Australia had to ponder where whether to continue with an allrounder at No. 6 and the call between Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland. Hazlewood looks primed to return to the bowling line-up, while during training on Monday, the catching cordon was Khawaja, Smith, Beau Webster and Cameron Green. Webster, who has never played at Lord's, spoke the previous day about having to factor in the slope when standing in the slips. Meanwhile, Australia believe that spin could play a significant role in the match. Two days out the pitch was already quite straw-coloured and the forecast is for warm weather during the Test and a good amount of sunshine. Khawaja acknowledged the challenge but emphasized the need to put the team first. “You don’t always get to choose in Australia,” he said while promoting Prime Video's coverage of the final. “There are plenty of times I’d prefer to bat elsewhere, but beggars can’t be choosers. You just have to be humble that you’re playing for Australia.” The final begins June 13 at Lord’s, with Labuschagne’s performance under the spotlight as selectors aim to lock in a stable opening pair heading into a pivotal Ashes campaign.