Australia’s batting lineup is beginning to take shape ahead of the first Ashes Test, with Marnus Labuschagne confirmed to open the batting. Labuschagne, who has demonstrated impressive form for Queensland, returns to the national side after being omitted earlier this year. However, he will be taking on the role at the top of the order rather than his usual position at No. 3.
Labuschagne’s last Test century was scored against England in 2023, but a subsequent period of underwhelming performances led to his exclusion during Australia’s recent 3-0 series victory over the West Indies. According to Theo Doropoulos from 7NEWS Melbourne, Labuschagne has won the race to partner with Usman Khawaja at the top for the first Test against England in Perth. Other candidates considered for this opening position included Sam Renshaw, Matt Renshaw, Jake Weatherald, and veteran Mitch Marsh, but Labuschagne is expected to secure the spot unless there is a last-minute change.
The selectors appear to favor a strong Queensland duo at the top of the order. Pending fitness, Cam Green will bat at No. 3, while the remainder of the top six will consist of Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Beau Webster. Khawaja has recently showcased his best form, scoring 87 runs for Queensland against New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield just weeks before the Ashes series begins.
In a match that is forecasted to end in a draw, Queensland reached a score of 4-238 in response to New South Wales’ first-innings total of 7(dec)-429 by the close of play on day three. Despite a disappointing outing for Labuschagne, who was dismissed for just five runs, Khawaja’s performance is seen as a vital sign as Australia approaches the Ashes. Last winter, Khawaja struggled, averaging only 15.37 across four Tests.
Khawaja’s recent scores in the Sheffield Shield include 69, 46, and 0, indicating a positive trajectory as he prepared for the Ashes. His aggressive batting included three boundaries in one over, showcasing his ability to find form. Unfortunately, his innings ended with an edge off a delivery from Charlie Stobo that swung away, just as a century seemed within reach.
Renshaw, also vying for a Test spot, had a chance to make an impression but fell for 29 runs. He attempted to leave a ball from Jack Edwards, which resulted in an edge that hit the stumps.
Meanwhile, at Junction Oval in Melbourne, Campbell Kellaway made headlines with a superb third first-class century, scoring 147 runs, which put Victoria in a commanding position against Tasmania in their Sheffield Shield clash. After a turbulent start to the season, Kellaway’s performance stands out, especially considering the team’s precarious position at 4-91.
Victoria declared at 5-330, establishing a lead of 355 runs, which set the stage for Tasmania to chase down the target. The match’s conditions favored batting, allowing both Kellaway and former Australia opener Marcus Harris, who scored 101 not out, to flourish. Harris, batting at No. 6 this innings, has also been a key player, surpassing 8,000 runs in the Shield during his innings.
Tasmania’s bowlers faced challenges, with speedster Riley Meredith the standout performer, taking 2 wickets for 87 runs. He eventually dismissed Kellaway, ending a significant partnership of 195 runs with Harris. As the teams gear up for the ensuing matches, the competition for places in the Test squad remains fierce, especially with the Ashes on the horizon.
