Cummins backs Australia’s new-look top three as Marnus Labuschagne will open in a Test for the first time in internationals.
Cummins backs Australia’s new-look top three; Bavuma smells an ‘opportunity’ there
As part of a restructuring that sees Cameron Green return to a new position at No. 3, South Africa senses a possible weakness in Australia’s top order when Marnus Labuschagne is expected to open for the first time in Test cricket. However, Pat Cummins, the captain, has backed the big-match mentality to go through.
Australia’s major selection discussions for the World Test Championship final went as planned, with Josh Hazlewood making a comeback to the pace lineup following an injury and Labuschagne being kept ahead of Sam Konstas and moved up to make room for Green.
The selectors finally favoured Labuschagne’s experience and overall record against a formidable South Africa attack, despite Labuschagne’s average of 28.33 in this WTC cycle. This was the opening partner that had sparked the most intrigue prior to the match. With a bold 60 off 65 balls in his maiden encounter against India, Konstas has already amassed two hundreds in his first-class career of 17 games.
“Cam Green, the last few weeks he’s had, coming back in great form, we thought he deserved a spot in the batting line-up,” Cummins said ahead of the match. “We thought three probably suits him best. And then, with Marnus, we thought it’s one spot up really. It’s not too different to batting three. He’s done well here in England in the past.
“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 that have got us here.”
Against Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi—the latter having emerged victorious in a close selection contest ahead of Dane Paterson—the reformed top order will be expected to set the groundwork.
“I think there is an opportunity there,” South Africa captain Temba 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.
“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.”