Pat Cummins, Australia’s captain, has thrown his support behind the team’s reshuffled top order for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, despite South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma sensing a potential vulnerability. For the first time in Test cricket, Marnus Labuschagne will open the batting, accommodating the return of Cameron Green at No. 3. Josh Hazlewood also returns to the pace attack after injury.
The selection debates for the WTC final largely went as anticipated, with Labuschagne being retained over Sam Konstas and moving up to allow Green’s inclusion. The decision to elevate Labuschagne to open alongside Usman Khawaja generated considerable interest. Despite averaging 28.33 in this WTC cycle, selectors have backed his experience and overall record against South Africa’s formidable attack. Konstas, who impressed on debut against India with a rapid 60 and boasts two centuries in 17 first-class matches, will miss out.
Cummins justified the changes, stating, “Cam Green, the last few weeks he’s had, coming back in great form we thought he deserved a spot in the batting line-up.” He added, “We thought three probably suits him best. And then, with Marnus moving, we thought it’s one spot up really. It’s not too different to batting three. He’s done well here in England in the past.” Cummins also suggested that the selectors are rewarding players who contributed to Australia reaching the final, citing Labuschagne’s crucial batting performance against India at the MCG. This new top order will face the challenge of South Africa’s pace attack, including Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi, who secured his spot over Dane Paterson.
South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma views Australia’s opening situation as a potential weakness. “I think there is an opportunity there,” Bavuma said, emphasizing that the English conditions, particularly with the swinging ball, differ significantly from Australian or South African conditions, which “bring us into the game a lot.” He believes the contest will largely depend on “how [the two batting line-ups] are able to kind of front up and give their bowlers a score to bowl at.”
Labuschagne will be Khawaja’s fifth opening partner in the last 12 Tests. While coach Andrew McDonald aims for a settled combination by the Ashes, Cummins clarified that this decision is solely focused on the current Test. Labuschagne has been urged to be “busy” at the crease, addressing recent scrutiny over his strike-rate. Cummins acknowledged that Australian wickets have been tough for top-order batsmen but stressed the importance of positive intent, noting that opening can be a good time to bat in England before the Dukes ball starts swinging.
South Africa’s top order also faces a tough assignment, with all-rounder Wiaan Mulder batting at a makeshift No. 3, a position he has only occupied twice before. Cummins, however, acknowledged that some of South Africa’s lesser-known players could pose a threat. “There’s a few more unknowns going into the Test match which is exciting,” he said, anticipating the need for more on-the-spot problem-solving against both established threats like Rabada and Keshav Maharaj, and newer faces.