Australian cricketer Sam Konstas faces the possibility of being dropped from the top order for the upcoming World Test Championship final, as selectors consider introducing a new opening partner for Usman Khawaja. Despite a standout performance against India in the previous summer, where he boldly faced fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, Konstas’ inconsistent results have raised doubts about his selection. Reports suggest that Marnus Labuschagne is now being seen as the preferred candidate for the opening position.
Selectors are in the process of finalising a 15-man squad for the Test at Lord’s, along with preparations for the subsequent tour of the West Indies. While Konstas is anticipated to miss out on selection for the final, this does not exclude him from consideration for the West Indies series, which marks the beginning of the next World Test Championship cycle.
Labuschagne, who has not previously opened for Australia in Test matches, showed potential earlier this year by scoring 72 and 70 against India at the MCG, even though he had been struggling for form prior to that. His decline in performance is not expected to jeopardise his position in the top six of the Australian batting lineup, as selectors previously indicated his suitability for the role of opener, especially with the impending retirement of David Warner in early 2024.
Following Warner’s retirement, vice-captain Steve Smith took on the opening role but has since returned to his regular position at No. 4, leaving the way open for Labuschagne. Meanwhile, with Cameron Green returning to full fitness, the inclusion of Josh Inglis, who impressed by scoring a century on his Test debut, is also under review. However, selectors reportedly favour Labuschagne and Green over Inglis for the critical match at Lord’s.
Overall, the Australian selectors are weighing their choices carefully as they aim to find the right combination for a vital series ahead.