No more 'opening-itis': Next man up for Aust at Lord's

Eighteen months after joking Marnus Labuschagne had "opening-itis", Usman Khawaja believes his Queensland teammate can fill the role for Australia's World Test Championship final.
Khawaja is almost certain to have another new opening partner for the decider against South Africa at Lord's, starting on Wednesday.
Since David Warner retired from Tests in January 2024, Steve Smith, Nathan McSweeney, Sam Konstas, and Travis Head have all joined Khawaja at the top of the order.
Smith is locked in to bat at No.4, Konstas is unlikely to play, and Head will come in at No.5 as Australia gun for back-to-back WTC titles.
Khawaja on Monday still joked Labuschagne wasn't over the "opening-itis" that eventually led to Smith being promoted to open for four Tests, but declared every Australian would do what was best for the team.
"Beggars can't be choosers," Khawaja said at Lord's on Monday at a launch for Prime Video's exclusive Australian coverage of the WTC final.
"So you just be humble that you're playing for Australia, and then you take what you get and you make the best out of it.
"At the end of the day, it's a team game.
"I know the best place for me to bat for the team is to open.
"So I'm very happy to open and do my role for the team.
"I'm sure if it's the same for Marnus, 100 per cent I know he'll take that."
The opening dilemma comes at a flashpoint in Labuschagne's career. The 30-year-old hasn't scored a Test century since his 111 against England at Manchester in July 2023.
Labuschagne made some important contributions as Australia regained the Border-Gavaskar trophy last summer, without converting an innings into three figures.
He is undoubtedly the batter under the most pressure in Australia's top-six.
"He's opened before. He started off for Queensland opening," Khawaja said.
"You bat three, I think opening is an easier transition.
"Marnus is a terrific player, so if he gets an opportunity, I'm sure he'll be fine."
This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final.

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