Good question’: George Bailey coy on Australia’s opener battle ahead of World Test Championship final
Australia has confirmed its squad for the upcoming World Test Championship final, with young gun Sam Konstas included in the 15-man group.
The young gun, who burst onto the scene with a half-century on debut against India, is battling for a position at the top of the order for the Aussies.
Marnus Labuschagne has the inside running according to recent reports, but Konstas’ selection clouds the debate around who will partner Usman Khawaja.
When quizzed on the battle between Konstas and Labuschagne, chief selector George Bailey told media in Brisbane that no decision had been made at this stage.
“It’s a good question. I don’t think we’re probably in a position to announce,” he said.
“I think he [Labuschagne] could do it. I’m not trying to be cryptic about it. I just think there’s quite a bit to work through.
“I know there is a prevailing thought that it is a specialised role, but I think in certain conditions other guys could do it.”
Pat Cummins will captain the side, with Cameron Green set to make his return from a back injury that sidelined him for the home summer against India.
Green has kick-started his comeback by playing in the County Championship, but there is uncertainty over whether or not he will be fit to bowl or will play solely as a batter.
Cameron Green raises the bat. Gloucestershire Cricket
“I think it’s great that he’s playing,” Bailey said.
“I think he pulled up pretty sore after that first innings [in the UK].
“We know he’s a proven performer at Test level, so how many runs he gets is not necessarily as much of a concern as just getting some matches under his belt.”
Josh Hazlewood also returns after a disrupted period due to injury, with fellow quicks Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland both included as expected.
The reigning champs will take on South Africa in next month’s highly-anticipated fixture, which kicks off on June 11 (AEST) at Lord’s.
Bailey said it will “mean a lot” to the players selected.
Josh Hazlewood Getty
“The team finished the WTC cycle with an impressive series victory in Sri Lanka following an equally strong summer,” he said.
“Those series capped a consistent performance across the two-year cycle and now presents us with the incredibly exciting opportunity to defend the World Test Championship.
“It means a lot to the group to reach the final and they are very much looking forward to the challenge South Africa will present at Lord’s.”
Australia’s WTC Final squad
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
