The Ashes 2025-26 sequence is quick approaching, and anticipation is already constructing as Australia put together to host arch-rivals England in what guarantees to be one other fiercely contested battle. With the primary Take a look at scheduled on the Perth Stadium, one of many key speaking factors in Australian cricket is the identification of Usman Khawaja’s opening companion. For the reason that retirement of David Warner, the selectors have tried a number of mixtures with out discovering a long-term answer on the high of the order.
David Warner names the opening companion of Usman Khawaja for first Ashes Take a look at
Former opener Warner has now voiced his opinion, throwing his help behind younger batter Sam Konstas to open alongside Khawaja within the Ashes opener. Warner believes Konstas has the appropriate method and mindset to succeed towards England’s quick bowlers and urged the selectors to offer him an prolonged run regardless of his modest latest performances.
“I’d like them to in all probability persist with Sam and provides him a crack. He scored that hundred within the Australia A sequence in India final month and batted outstandingly there. I don’t suppose we’ve seen what Sam Konstas is actually able to. Final 12 months, he might need been overwhelmed by the event, however he’s a top quality participant. I’ve seen him play some terrific innings and construct them patiently. He simply must concentrate on doing that once more,” Warner stated through the launch of Kayo Sports activities’ Summer time of Cricket in Sydney.
Konstas, who managed solely 50 runs in six innings through the West Indies sequence earlier this 12 months, can be eager to strengthen his case for retention when he represents New South Wales within the second spherical of the Sheffield Defend towards Victoria at Junction Oval. Going through a robust bowling assault that includes Scott Boland and Fergus O’Neill, the 21-year-old has an important alternative to impress the nationwide selectors.
Regardless of a tricky begin to the home season with scores of 4 and 14 towards Western Australia in Perth, each NSW coach Greg Shipperd and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon defended the teenager, citing the ‘naughty’ nature of the WACA pitch that made batting extraordinarily tough.
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Warner on the place ought to Marnus Labuschagne bat
In the meantime, Marnus Labuschagne continues to press his declare for a Take a look at recall with dominant performances for Queensland. The appropriate-hander not too long ago scored 160 within the Sheffield Defend, complemented by back-to-back centuries within the home one-day competitors, making him a robust contender for the upcoming Ashes squad. Whereas Warner praised Labuschagne’s kind, he was reluctant to see him transfer up the order.
“He’s achieved sufficient to be again within the facet, little question about it. However I wouldn’t need to see him open. Marnus is made for No. 3 — that’s the place he’s best. When somebody averages 50 in Exams, you don’t experiment with that,” Warner added.
Because the countdown to the Ashes continues, Australia’s choice dilemma on the high stays one of many greatest speaking factors. Whether or not the selectors go for the youthful promise of Konstas or the expertise of Labuschagne, the Perth Take a look at will mark the start of one other thrilling chapter in cricket’s oldest rivalry.
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