Khawaja: ‘Our Best Team Has Marnus at Three’
Usman Khawaja has reiterated his preference for Marnus Labuschagne to bat at No. 3 in Australia’s Test side as Jake Weatherald’s chances to debut in Perth increase.
Following criticism from Australian cricket legend Steve Waugh about the influence of players in selection decisions, Khawaja insisted that Labuschagne should bat at first drop in the upcoming Perth Test. Selection chair George Bailey has not yet confirmed whether Labuschagne will return at the top of the order or at No. 3.
If Labuschagne plays at No. 3, it likely means Khawaja will open with Jake Weatherald, Cameron Green will move down to No. 6, and Beau Webster will be omitted from the XI. Alternatively, Green might retain the No. 3 spot, Khawaja would open alongside Labuschagne, and Webster would keep his place.
Green is set to prove his fitness as a primary all-rounder during the Sheffield Shield match for Western Australia against Queensland next week.
“I think our best team is always with Marnus scoring runs at three,” Khawaja said to Fox Cricket during the innings break of Thursday night’s Twenty20 between Australia and India on the Gold Coast. “Marnus three, (Steve) Smith four, (Travis) Head five.”
This selection scenario highlights the strategic decisions ahead for the Australian Test team as they prepare for the Perth Test.
Author’s summary: Usman Khawaja favors Marnus Labuschagne batting at No. 3, potentially opening opportunities for Jake Weatherald and reshuffling Australia’s Test batting order for the Perth match.