Following Australia’s World Test Championship final loss to South Africa, the selectors are likely to make changes. Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja are under the scanner.
Labuschagne, who has been struggling for three years, was given a chance to open the innings, but his 17 and 22 in the final highlighted his struggle. With Sam Konstas waiting in the wings and Cameron Green returning from injury, Labuschagne’s future is uncertain. However, coach Andrew McDonald backed him.
McDonald spoke to Sydney Morning Herald and said the player is a key member of the team. “He has done well for us in Test cricket. With older players nearing the end of their careers and younger talent emerging, the team needs experience,” he said.
McDonald noted that the team still believes in Labuschagne, and changes would only be made if they felt his best form was behind him. Labuschagne, who once had an impressive average of 60 at the start of his career, has seen a drop in form recently, sparking discussions about his potential removal from the team. With the new WTC cycle underway, Australia might consider giving opportunities to Konstas and Josh Inglis.
He acknowledged that the player is miffed with his recent performances. However, McDonald is confident that the player can regain his peak form. “The real question is at what point do we stop picking him,” he added.
Usman Khawaja, is under scrutiny for failing against Bumrah and Rabada. However, he has received strong backing from his coach.
“He has a central contract and is an important player for us. He provides stability at the top of the order, and we prefer to focus on our players. After a couple of failures, people start suggesting ‘maybe it’s the end’, but I don’t see it as an end given how he’s training, preparing, and moving.”