TOP STORIES
Labuschagne backs Khawaja as Australia prepare for second Ashes Test
Marnus Labuschagne has thrown his full support behind veteran opener Usman Khawaja ahead of the second Ashes Test, shutting down speculation that he or Steve Smith might step up to open the batting. The endorsement comes after Khawaja endured a difficult opening Test, managing just two runs across both innings while also battling back spasms that forced him to sit out the second innings.
In Khawaja’s absence, Travis Head was promoted to the top of the order and produced a match-defining century, touching off debate over Australia’s long-term opening partnership. Meanwhile, Labuschagne said Khawaja does not need any advice.
"I don't think he needs advice. He's 38, he's been around the block a long time ... he is an amazing player," Labuschagne told reporters on Monday.
"He's gone from No.3 to No.4 to opening (in his career); the way he's done that, navigated some tricky scenarios, the way he batted at Edgbaston, he's just been awesome. I don't have any advice for him on it because from first class this year he's batted beautifully, the way he's been batting is awesome."
Labuschagne further asserted that he and Smith won't be opening the innings for Australia in the second Test.
“I think we can be pretty sure that Steve or I won’t open,” Marnus said.
“I think where you bat in the order is probably pushes back the time you come to the crease, and I think that’s why there is a batting order because certain times suit certain players and the way they play."
The second Ashes Test will begin on December 4 at The Gabba in Brisbane.
Tags
More News
Cricket Canada suspended with immediate effect
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended Cricket Canada with immediate effect, citing serious violations of its membership obligations. The decision was announced following the ICC Board meetings in Ahmedabad.
Meanwhile, the ICC has taken steps to ensure that players do not become collateral damage in the ongoing crisis as Canada's national teams will c...
PAK vs AUS, 2nd ODI: Confident Pakistan eye series win
Pakistan are gearing up to lock horns with Australia in the second ODI on Tuesday in Lahore, looking to seal the three-match series 2-0. The hosts are coming into the second ODI with momentum on their side, having demolished under-strength Australia in the first ODI in Rawalpindi. Delivering an all-round performance, Pakistan secured a thumping five-wicket win ...
IPL 2026: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi caps off the season with historic award sweep
Rajasthan Royals sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi capped off a fruitful IPL 2026 campaign by bagging three of the tournament's biggest individual honours. He won the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Orange Cap, and Emerging Player awards. The teenage batting prodigy enjoyed one of the most extraordinary seasons in IPL history, finishing as the tournament's leading run...
IPL 2026: RCB receive huge sum following title defence
Royal Challengers Bengaluru recorded a spectacular five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad on Sunday to clinch their consecutive IPL titles. At the heart of this victory was the legendary batter and chasemaster Virat Kohli, whose 75 unbeaten runs lifted the side to their back-to-back IPL titles.
Earlier, deciding to bowl, R...
West Indies name squad for Sri Lanka ODIs, Hetmyer returns
West Indies have named their squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, beginning on June 3 at Sabina Park. West Indies have received a timely boost to their squad with the return of a few experienced players as they begin preparations for next year's ICC Cricket World Cup. Shimron Hetmyer and pace spearhead Alzarr...
Android App
iOS App
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram