Michael Clarke shares his thoughts on Australia's opening combination for WTC final

Former Australian World Cup-winning skipper Michael Clarke has shared his opinion on the likely opening partner for Usman Khawaja in Australia’s lineup for the World Test Championship final against South Africa. Recently, reports emerged stating that Marnus Labuschagne would be promoted to open the innings for the big game. However, Clarke reckons the team management would prefer Cameron Green as opener and persist with Labuschagne at number three. 

Labuschagne has been under fire for quite some time owing to his poor run of form in Test cricket for Australia. In the World Test Championship cycle 2023-25, he has scored 935 runs from 19 games at an average of 28.33. Michael Clarke stated if Australia are planning to stick with Labuschagne in the playing XI even after the WTC final, then they should continue to bat him at number three rather than as an opener.

In an interview with Rev Sportz, here’s what Michael Clarke said: 

“To me if Australia are backing Marnus Labuschagne to play after this Test match, I think he stays at number three and you have to bring someone else to open which would most likely be Cameron Green. I think they will pick Cameron Green over Sam Constas.” 

However, Clarke also mentioned that Marnus Labuschagne could open the innings if he will be dropped after the match against South Africa. 

“If they think this is going to be Marnus’ last Test match, then they will bat Cameron Green at number and Marnus Labuschagne at the top with Khawaja.” Clarke added. 

Since David Warner's retirement from Test cricket, Australia haven’t been able to find his apt replacement. If Labuschagne opens the innings in the WTC final, then he will be Usman Khawaja’s fifth opening partner in nine Tests after Steve Smith, Nathan McSweeney, Konstas, and Travis Head. The World Test Championship 2023-25 final is scheduled to take place between Australia and South Africa from 11th to 15th June 2025 at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.