Khawaja and Labuschagne - (Source :@Cricket.Au/X.com)
On Tuesday, June 10, Australia followed South Africa's footsteps and announced their playing XI a day before the all-important WTC final on June 11 at the Lord's Stadium.
It marks the return of Josh Hazlewood, who missed out on the Sri Lanka tour because of injury. Further, the Baggy Greens will opt for a new opening pair as teenage sensation, Sam Konstas, who stole the limelight after hitting Jasprit Bumrah in Border-Gavaskar Trophy, failed to make it to the playing XI. It has made fans talk about who will open the innings for Australia.
Marnus Labuschagne To Open With Usman Khawaja In WTC Final
In a significant development, Marnus Labuschange has been named Australia's new opener and will start the innings alongside Usman Khawaja, as revealed by Cricket Australia.
The board, in their press release, confirmed that Marnus will move a spot up and open the innings. "All the boys have trained well, him, Sam and Josh Inglis have all trained really well but I thought selectors went with Marnus' experience and done well here at Lord's and England in general," Cummins remarked during the press conference.
How Has Marnus Labuschagne Performed As An Opener?
For the unversed, it will be the first time in his career that Labuschagne will open in Tests- truly what a time to experiment. The right-handed batter has the experience of batting in the middle-order, but never at the top.
Nonetheless, the selectors have shown faith in him and trusted Marnus ahead of Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis.
Australia's Playing XI For the WTC Final vs South Africa
Australia picked an interesting XI as Cameron Green returns to the playing XI alongside Josh Hazlewood, while Beau Webster gets to retain his place. Here is the complete XI.
Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood
 "Abhinav Tyagi")
