Australia Opening Spot Unsettled Ahead World Test Final vs South Africa

Australia's opening batting partnership remains unsettled ahead of the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's in June, with Usman Khawaja having had four different partners since David Warner's retirement in January 2024. Head selector George Bailey emphasized that the opener role is not strictly specialized and suggested multiple players, including Sam Konstas, Travis Head, and Marnus Labuschagne, could fill the position depending on conditions. Konstas, who had a strong debut but is considered a work in progress, and Head, who has a solid record in English conditions, remain in contention. Meanwhile, Labuschagne might be promoted to opener to accommodate the returning all-rounder Cameron Green, who is initially playing as a batsman after back surgery. Former player Mike Hussey also weighed in, favoring Konstas or Labuschagne as potential openers. Australia will defend their title in the one-off final at Lord's before a subsequent tour in the West Indies.