Usman Khawaja tips Marnus Labuschagne won’t become new Australian opener

Marnus Labuschagne is being considered for a shift from No. 3 to opener after David Warner retires, but teammate Usman Khawaja says a case of ‘openingitis’ might make that move a longshot.

Marnus Labuschagne might holler “hell no’’ if asked to open the batting for Australia.

Usman Khawaja laughed as he made this claim at the Brisbane Heat media day before offering a more sobering explanation why he hopes it does not happen.

Labuschagne is being considered for a shift from No. 3 to opener when David Warner retires after the Sydney Test against Pakistan in a move made by successful No. 3s David Boon and Justin Langer before him.

“Have you asked Marnus this?’’ Khawaja said with a grin. “I think he will give you a really clear ‘hell no’.

“Marnus has openingitis. I am pretty sure David Warner hurt his arm and they sent Alex Carey out to open so I think it’s a longshot.’’

Khawaja doesn’t think Labuschagne will become Australia’s new opener. Picture: Paul Ellis / AFP

Khawaja clearly favours a specialist opener for the position and has previously talked up the obvious contenders Matt Renshaw, Marcus Harris and Cam Bancroft.

“Opening is not easy. It is tough work. I can tell you that because I have batted one, two, three, four, five and six for Australia. I’m telling you by far opening is the hardest.

“It is just very hard to bring someone who has not opened. I am positive if you put Marnus in there he would do well.

“But would he do as well as an opener as he does at three? I am not sure. I would not want to take the risk.

“You wouldn’t want to mess around with him. Opening can be a very tough gig, mentally as well as physically.

“I am always a bit shy of people who have not opened much in the past.’’