Australia’s decision to open with Marnus Labuschagne in WTC final opens big door for South Africa

Overlooking Sam Konstas for Marnus Labuschagne, who will open the batting for Australia at Lord’s, has their World Test Championship rivals licking their lips.

South Africa have seized on Australia’s gamble to open with Marnus Labuschagne in the World Test Championship final, declaring there’s an “opportunity” to expose the defending champions.

Not only did Australian selectors overlook teen sensation Sam Konstas to give Usman Khawaja a fifth opening partner since David Warner’s retirement, they also elevated Cameron Green to No.3 in his Test match return for the clash at Lord’s.

With a swinging Dukes ball in the hand of Proteas superstar quick Kagiso Rabada, South African captain Temba Bavuma was hoping to exploit the new-look Australian top three.

“I think there is an opportunity there,” Bavuma said when asked about Australia’s opening situation.

“I think the conditions as well, I believe, bring us into the game a lot. With the swinging ball, (it’s) very different to Australian conditions. Different to South African conditions as well, so that definitely gives us an opportunity.

Marnus Labuschagne will open the batting. Picture: Ben Whitley/PA via AP

“I think both teams have formidable bowling attacks. I think the real opportunity is within the two batting line-ups and how they are able to kind of front up and give their bowlers a score to bowl at.”

Labuschagne, who has been given clear instructions from captain Pat Cummins to have “positive intent” in his new position, will have to do so not only against Rabada but also Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi

“That’s our message here to Marnus; opening the batting can be tough but it can also be the best time to bat before the Dukes ball actually starts swinging and there’s runs to be scored,” Cummins said.

“So it’s keeping that positive intent, (which) is when he’s batting at his best.

“With Marnus moving, we thought it’s one spot up, it’s not too different to batting at three.

“He’s done well here in England in the past.

South Africa's Temba Bavuma sees the Australian top order as vulnerable. Picture: Henry Nicholls / AFP

“I think our selectors are probably showing that they’re happy to give someone an extra little run rather than pull the pin too early. He’s played some crucial knocks in getting us here. Look back at the MCG (against India), his batting was right up there as a difference in that match. I think it’s part rewarding those guys have got us here.”

Cummins said Green, entering the match, his first for Australia since having back surgery last year, off three county cricket centuries in England “deserved a spot in the batting line-up” and backed him to adjust to the new role.

Pat Cummins says Labuschagne opening is ‘not too different’ to batting in his regular spot at No.3. Picture: Henry Nicholls / AFP

AUSTRALIA: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

SOUTH AFRICA: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (capt), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi.

Originally published as Australia’s decision to open with Marnus Labuschagne in WTC final opens big door for South Africa