Australia’s five-wicket defeat to South Africa in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s has triggered major scrutiny of their top-order batting, with Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja both now under the microscope.
Labuschagne’s Decline: What’s Gone Wrong?
Once averaging above 60 in Test cricket, Labuschagne’s form has nosedived, now sitting around the mid-40s. In the WTC final, the makeshift opener scored just 17 and 22, failing to anchor the innings under pressure.
Australia had adjusted their batting order to keep Labuschagne in the XI, moving him to opener, but it hasn’t paid off. With Sam Konstas and a fit-again Cameron Green waiting in the wings, Labuschagne’s spot is no longer guaranteed.
“It’s at what point do we stop picking him?” head coach Andrew McDonald told Sydney Morning Herald. “He’s a big part of the future, but right now he’s disappointed.”
McDonald Still Has Faith – For Now
Despite criticism, McDonald stressed Labuschagne’s value, noting his 60+ Test caps and long-term potential.
“Anyone averaging 46 in Test cricket at his age is important,” McDonald said. “We still back him to return to form.”
Usman Khawaja: Age a Factor?
At 38, Usman Khawaja is another name under review. Though he’s had strong spells since his comeback, his struggles against elite pace—including dismissals to Bumrah and Rabada—have raised concerns.
Still, McDonald was more firm in his support:
“There’s no end date. The way he’s moving, training, preparing—it doesn’t look like a player on his way out.”
What’s Next for Australia?
With a new WTC cycle starting soon—Australia’s next Test assignment is a tour of the West Indies—it might be the moment selectors begin planning for the future. Whether that includes Labuschagne or Khawaja remains to be seen.
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