Australia cricket team’s plan to promote Marnus Labuschagne as an opener backfired in the World Test Championship final. Despite sticking around for majority of the first session, the batter failed to extend his stay out in the middle as Marco Jansen struck to reduce Australia down to three wickets. Australia decided to use Marnus as an opener despite having a specialist in the form of Sam Konstas in the squad for the marquee clash.
Labuschagne fails as opener in WTC final
Labuschagne managed to survive 55 deliveries before he was dismissed by Jansen. The batter played a cautious knock, leaving as many deliveries as possible while trying to minimize risks and play shots off deliveries only that he seemed was certain. He managed to score only one boundary during his knock before he was sent packing.
Marnus is more used to batting at number 3 for Australia and the WTC final clash against South Africa was the first time he opened for the side. Labuschagne has opened in first-class cricket 15 times, but has only done so once since 2016. He scored a century for Glamorgan on that occasion in May 2024.
Following David Warner’s retirement, Australia have been on the hunt to find a replacement for opener but simply haven’t able to zero in on a good choice. While Konstas opened with Khawaja in the series against India, Head was promoted up the order in the series against Sri Lanka. However, Australia’s decision to take a punt with Labuschagne has backfired in the WTC final.
South Africa vs Australia so far
South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl first in the clash at Lord’s. After the first three overs went as maidens, Rabada struck twice in the 7th over to get rid of opener Usman Khawaja (0) and Cameron Green (4). Labuschagne and Smith managed to hold fort until a short while before lunch before the latter was sent packing by Jansen.
Australia’s gamble on Marnus Labuschagne fails, opener departs cheaply in WTC final Inside Sport India.
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