Follow UsCameron Green’s return has yet again put Australian cricket in a big dilemma, as they are forced to open with the experienced Marnus Labuschagne for the WTC final against South Africa, starting June 11 (Wednesday).
Labuschagne was viewed as a potential successor for David Warner before that mantle went to Steve Smith. During his brief stint as an opener, Smith could only score 171 runs in the longest format, averaging a paltry 28.50, with just one fifty-plus score.
Ahead of the WTC final, Australia’s incumbent opener Usman Khawaja put the ball in Labuschagne’s court, stating that you don’t always get to choose in ‘Australian cricket’.
"You don't always get to choose in Australia. You've got six of the best batsmen in the country," Khawaja said, reported ESPNCricinfo.
"Like I've said in the past, there are plenty of times where I prefer to bat in other positions. But beggars can't be choosers. You just have to be humble that you're playing for Australia,” he added.
But at the same time, Khawaja insisted that it is easier for Labuschagne to get adjusted at the top of the order despite never opening before.
"An opener can get out first ball and you're batting with number three anyway," Khawaja said. "So it's not that big of a deal. All the guys that are in this team I've batted with. Opening has been a revolving door for a long time. But I think it just shows you how hard opening is. It's not an easy place to bat.
"I've had a few partners since Davey's gone. It's just a tough place to bat. You can't hide in Test cricket. I think whoever's going to come in will do a good job. But for me, it's no different."
However, on the positive side, he will have the experience of Khawaja at the other end. The southpaw has scored over 3000 runs as an opener, with eight centuries and 15 half-centuries, playing a vital role in Australia lifting the 2023 WTC crown.
"You take what you get and you make the best out of it. At the end of the day, it's a team game. The best place for me to bat for the team is to open. So I'm very happy to open and do my role for the team. I'm sure if it's the same for Marnus, I'm 100%. I know he'll take that role.
"[When] you bat three, I think the opening is an easier transition. The only time it's hard is when you bat second. You have to run off and change [into] your pads. Usually when I was at three, I just put my feet up. You don't get to do that anymore. That's the biggest difference. But Marnus is a terrific player. If he gets an opportunity, I'm sure he'll be fine."