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Konstas Or Labuschagne; Boland Over Hazlewood? Australia's Selection Headaches For WTC Final

Debashis Sarangi

Sam Konstas and Josh Hazlewood [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @ESPNcricinfo/X]Sam Konstas and Josh Hazlewood [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @ESPNcricinfo/X]

Australia are all set to take on South Africa in a high-voltage World Test Championship final after qualifying for the ultimate affair following a clinical 3-1 triumph in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Led by Pat Cummins, Australia have set their eyes on a second consecutive WTC mace, having acquired the prestigious title in 2023. 

As they gear up for the cracking contest, here are some selection conundrums they need to address before the clash. 

Who Will Open With Usman Khawaja?

  • Although Australia have included Sam Konstas in their WTC final squad, the youngster has little experience at the international level. Statistically, Konstas is a veteran of only two Tests, scoring 113 runs at a modest average of 28.25. 
  • What he brings to the table are dynamism and fearless 360-degree stroke play against the hard new ball. However, the Australian management must think whether his ultra-aggressive approach will help him counter South Africa's fearsome fast bowlers, including Rabada and Jansen, or he should adapt to the conditions and modify his style of play to ensure a solid start in the all-important clash. 
  • Travis Head, who opened in Sri Lanka, might return to his preferred number five slot to exploit the scoring opportunities against the old ball. However, Australia need to fit Cameron Green somewhere in the lineup, as he was exceptional in his recent County stint. 
  • Thus, it's left to be seen if Konstas gets a chance to open or Australia accommodate both Green and Marnus Labuschagne as top-order batters at his expense.  

Pros of including Sam Konstas: Fearless Stroke Play, Complementary To Usman Khawaja

Cons of including Sam Konstas: Technical Flaws that could be exploited by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen

The Curious Case Of Marnus Labuschagne

Criterion
Data
Innings47
Runs1325
Average31.54
50s/100s10/1

(Marnus Labuschagne in Tests since 2023)

  • Veteran batter Marnus Labuschagne hasn't been at his best in Tests for quite a while now. He averages just over 31 in the red-ball format since the start of 2023; but, more importantly, he has managed only 58 runs at a horrible average of 14.50 in three Tests, suggesting a more pronounced decline in his prowess. 
  • However, Labuschagne retained his place in the WTC squad by virtue of three impactful fifties in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Also, the Australian think tank doesn't believe in dropping the first-choice players for crucial face-offs. 
  • Thus, as Labuschagne has made it into the squad, he will likely play the WTC final. However, it will be interesting to see if Australia allow him to bat at his preferred number three slot or promote him to open and vacate a spot for Cameron Green at the top order. 

Scott Boland Or Josh Hazlewood; Who Will Play?

  • Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon walk straight into Australia's Test XI as frontline bowlers. However, there are some question marks over Josh Hazlewood's place, with injury concerns looming over the fast bowler. 
  • Hazlewood has missed plenty of cricket in recent times due to injuries. After getting sidelined from the BGT midway during the series, the seamer found himself out of Australia's Champions Trophy squad due to a recurring calf strain. 
  • He was also ruled out of a few IPL matches before playing a crucial role for RCB in the playoffs. But it's worth noting that playing a Test match is more demanding than featuring in a T20 game. Thus, Hazlewood's fitness will decide if he gets a chance to play the WTC final or Boland replaces him in the playing XI. 
  • Scott Boland also played the previous WTC final, scalping five crucial wickets in Australia's victorious affair against India at Kennington Oval two years ago. He is an excellent seam bowler and has bagged 56 Test wickets in 13 matches.