Australia's Marnus Labuschagne has delivered a staunch defence of under-fire opener Usman Khawaja, dismissing any notion of moving up the batting order himself as selection debates intensify ahead of the second Ashes Test.
Khawaja's Perth Struggles and Labuschagne's Firm Stance
The conversation around Australia's top order resurfaced following their dramatic eight-wicket victory over England in Perth. Khawaja endured a difficult start to the series, hampered by back spasms which prevented him from opening in either innings. He managed to contribute just two runs before being dismissed.
The situation was compounded by Travis Head's match-winning century, scored after he replaced Khawaja at the top. Despite this, Labuschagne, speaking at Brisbane's Gabba where the next Test begins on Thursday, was unequivocal in his support for the 38-year-old opener.
"I don't think he needs advice," Labuschagne told reporters. "He's 38, he's been around the block a long time... he's an amazing player."
Praise for Adaptability and Form
Labuschagne went further, lauding Khawaja's career resilience and recent performances. "And the way he's gone about his game, the way he's gone from a number three, four and then to open the batting, and the way he's done that and navigated some tricky scenarios. He's just been awesome," he added.
He pointed to Khawaja's strong first-class form as evidence he will bounce back. "So I don't have any advice for him on it, because... in first-class this year, he's batted beautifully. The way he's been batting is awesome."
End of the Experiment for Smith and Labuschagne
The debate over Australia's opening partnership has been a persistent theme since David Warner's retirement, with temporary solutions previously involving Labuschagne or Steve Smith moving up. However, the 31-year-old batsman made it clear those experiments are now over.
"I think we can pretty much be sure that Steve or I won't open," he stated firmly, regardless of the selectors' decision on Khawaja's place.
Personal Momentum from Perth Victory
Labuschagne, who typically bats at number three, recently returned to the Test side after being dropped during the West Indies tour. He rediscovered his touch with a string of domestic centuries.
In Perth, he scored nine runs in the first innings before securing his 24th Test half-century alongside Head, guiding Australia to victory. "I personally took a lot away from that," he reflected. "To be able to go out there and finish the game off, build that partnership with Trav and be able to play some really free-flowing cricket was really exciting."
All eyes will now be on the Australian selectors and whether they keep faith with Khawaja for the crucial second Test at the Gabba, with Labuschagne's public backing adding significant weight to the veteran's case.
