Cricket
Labuschagne tipped to open in WTC final against South Africa─── MORGAN PIEK 13:49 Mon, 19 May 2025
Klerksdorp-born Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne is being considered to open the batting in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa in London next month.
The Baggy Greens are weighing up their options to find the best partner for Usman Khawaja at the top of the order, as they prepare to face the Proteas’ formidable pace attack.
Labuschagne, 30, has joined English county side Glamorgan for a few matches as part of his preparation for the WTC final. However, over the weekend, he had a disappointing outing, scoring a duck and 4 in Glamorgan’s eight-wicket win over Northamptonshire in Cardiff. Notably, he batted at number three for the Welsh-based side.
Cricket Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, said they still have a month to finalise the line-up, but he’s confident the South African-born batter could step up if called upon.
“It's a good question – I don’t think we’re in a position to make an announcement just yet. There are still a few moving parts, with players coming back – Cameron Green, for example,” said Bailey.
“So, where he fits into the line-up … Josh Inglis has also performed really well. With the squad available, Pat Cummins and Andrew McDonald have plenty of options to consider.
Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne. Photo: Cricinfo
“But yes, we’ve been clear about treating the WTC final as its own challenge, and then looking separately at the squad for the West Indies tour, which will be slightly different.
“I think Marnus could do it – I think he’s capable of opening the batting. We’ve got a few players who could do the job, though that’s not to say they necessarily will.”
The highly anticipated WTC final between South Africa and Australia will be played at Lord’s from 11 to 15 June.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Beau Webster.
Proteas squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Kyle Verreynne.
