The opening position in the Australian Test team is a lottery. Whoever gets the chance to open for the Baggy Greens when their name is called up. Since David Warner’s retirement from international Test cricket in January last year, Australia have used four different openers, apart from Usman Khawaja, in 11 Test matches.
However, none of these four may get a chance in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. However, a new opener may be seen in the only Test against South Africa starting on June 11 this year at Lord’s. If that happens, he will be Australia’s 5th opener in 12 Tests.
However, the last two openers did not have a bad time in the Australian jersey at all. Sam Constas was in the last two Tests against India. He completely impressed with his aggressive batting against Jasprit Bumrah. Travis Head was in the away series against Sri Lanka. Australian cricket had plans for him since 2023. And that was not wrong, Head also proved it.
But neither of these two may be seen in the Test Championship final. At least, that has been re-emphasized by selector George Bailey. After announcing the Test Championship final team, Bailey said that there is no need for a specific specialist as an opener, “I think Josh (Josh English) can do it (opener), as I said in the case of Marnus. It is a place where many can play. Although it is generally seen as a specialized role.”
According to George Bailey, Marnus Labuschagne and Josh English are also being considered as Test openers. Labuschagne’s form is not very favorable among them. His average in the current Test cycle was 28.33. In fact, he has only played as an opener once since 2016.
It is worth noting that since Warner’s retirement in 2024, Australia has been looking for someone new outside the red-ball specialist openers. However, the results have been mixed so far. Steven Smith has played. Although it has not been very useful. Nathan McSweeney was brought in for the India series. He also had to suffer against Jasprit Bumrah in the first three Tests.
Sam Constas and Travis Head were the last two to open for the Aussies. Of these two, the most potential has been seen. However, there is uncertainty about who will stay until the end.
