Delhi: Former Australian cricket team captain Ricky Ponting believes that ICC World Test Championship (WTC) to be held against South Africa next month in the Lord’s Lord’s next month Marnas labushen Can be ‘promoted’ for opening and he can start the innings with regular opener Usman Khwaja. However, Australia’s playing XI seems to be fixed to a great extent, but some important questions are still left.
The biggest question is who will open with Khwaja. Labushen’s recent form remains a matter of concern. There is also doubt about the role of Cameron Green, while Josh Hazlewood and Scott Bolland have a tough competition for a place in fast bowling.
Australia announced a 15 -member squad for this important match earlier this month. Head coach Andrew McDonald has made it clear that the final XI will be selected only after the team reaches London.
Ponting said in the ‘ICC Review’, “I feel that Labushen can be sent up in the order and he will open with Khwaja. I understand that Green will bat at number three and Smith will be at four. Then there will be Travis Head Five, B Webster six, Carry Seven, Cummins eight, Cummins eight, Stark Nine and Lion Nine.”
He added, “Selection of Hazelwood vs. Bolland has been a matter of discussion among everyone for the last few years. It is a difficult decision every time, because whenever the lord plays, perform well. But, if Hazlewood is fit, I think he will come back directly to the team.”
Ponting also admitted that the biggest selection is about headache Labushen. Labushen has scored just one Test century since the end of 2022 and has recently failed to score runs in two county matches for Glamorgan. On the other hand, young batsmen Sam Constas are impressing the selectors and if they get a chance, this could be a big start of his career.
However, despite Labushen’s poor form, Ponting hopes that the team will maintain confidence in them, as the last time with David Warner.
Ricky said, “I think he will go with Labushen. Even before the last WTC final, there was a lot of discussion about David Warner whether he should be in the team or not. But, then the team showed solidarity and decided to enter that important match with the same group.”
The former Kangaroo veteran said, “Labushen has been a part of this cycle, even if he has been batting at number 3 till now. I think the team wants to fulfill this cycle with the same core players, so Labushen will get a chance. I will get a chance or not, that is a different thing… everything will be clear in the next few weeks.”
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