In what can be called as a desperate attempt, Marnus Labuschagne has been promoted to open the batting for Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa. The decision, confirmed by captain Pat Cummins on the eve of the Lord’s clash. Labuschagne was under pressure, having not scored a Test hundred in last two years.
Massive decline for Marnus Labuschagne
Labuschagne’s form has seen a sharp decline since the start of 2023. Once averaging close to 60 in Tests, the Queenslander now averages 31.54 over the past 18 months. Though he produced gritty innings in Australia’s 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy win, the runs have dried up, and the pressure has steadily mounted.
But if there’s one venue where Labuschagne can hope for a turnaround, it’s Lord’s. It was here in 2019 that his international career took flight, stepping in famously as a concussion substitute for Steve Smith and scoring a defiant 59 against Jofra Archer’s fire. From there, he went on to amass 10 Test centuries across 27 matches.
WTC Final: Pat Cummins explains
At the pre-match press conference, Australian skipper Pat Cummins explained the decision. He said that it was a natural choice since Australia wanted someone who can put pressure back on the opposition. Cummins said opening the batting isn’t much of a difference for a number three batter.
“We love when they’re busy and putting pressure back on the bowlers,” Pat Cummins said on Tuesday of the decision to pick Labuschagne as an opener. “That’s our message here to Marnus, opening the batting can be tough but it can also be the best time to bat before the Dukes ball actually starts swinging and there’s runs to be scored.
“So it’s keeping that positive intent, (which) is when he’s batting at his best.“With Marnus moving, we thought it’s one spot up, it’s not too different to batting at three.“
With David Warner retired and no firm heir settled, Labuschagne becomes Usman Khawaja’s fifth opening partner in just 18 months. Young prodigy Sam Konstas, despite being in the squad, misses out for now but looms large for Australia’s upcoming tour of the West Indies.
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