Khawaja Backs Labuschagne to Open for Australia in WTC Final: "It's About the Team"

As Australia prepare for the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, Usman Khawaja has offered his full backing to Marnus Labuschagne as a potential opening partner, highlighting the importance of selflessness in a team setup. While Labuschagne has previously expressed discomfort with opening—jokingly referred to by Khawaja as suffering from “opening-itis”—he now appears the frontrunner to take up the role vacated by David Warner, especially with selectors reportedly leaning on experience over raw talent like 19-year-old Sam Konstas.

Though Labuschagne has opened in first-class cricket 15 times, it’s a role he hasn’t taken since 2016. However, Khawaja—who has become a fixture at the top since early 2022—believes the adjustment from No.3 to opener is manageable, especially for a seasoned player like Labuschagne.

"You don’t always get to choose in Australia. You’ve got six of the best batsmen in the country," Khawaja said during a promotional event for Prime Video. “You just have to be humble that you’re playing for Australia.”

He further stressed that while he’s had a rotating cast of opening partners since Warner’s retirement—including Steven Smith, Nathan McSweeney, Travis Head, and Konstas—he’s unfazed by the shifting dynamics. “An opener can get out first ball and you’re batting with number three anyway,” he noted. “Opening has been a revolving door for a long time... I think it just shows you how hard opening is.”

Labuschagne’s future at the top could also play a role in the team’s longer-term plans, including forming a stable opening partnership ahead of the 2025 Ashes. With 11 Test centuries to his name, his inclusion at the top could offer both solidity and flexibility to Australia’s top order.

Meanwhile, Australia's selection debate extends to their bowling attack, with Josh Hazlewood likely to return in place of Scott Boland, and discussions ongoing around the No.6 allrounder spot. The team also anticipates that spin will play a significant role at Lord’s, with the pitch appearing dry and straw-coloured, and sunshine forecast throughout the match. Nathan Lyon, returning to the venue where he suffered a calf injury during the 2023 Ashes, will be keen to reassert his importance in England’s conditions.

"Spin will play a big part," Steve Smith noted, referencing the dry start to the English season. "The footmarks will definitely come into play."

As Australia finalize their XI, Labuschagne’s possible move to opener symbolizes the balancing act between individual preference and team needs—a decision Khawaja believes Labuschagne is more than capable of handling. “If he gets an opportunity, I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

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