Is it make-or-break for Marnus Labuschagne this week at Lord’s?
Perhaps, but the pressure is certainly on the Queensland star, who has struggled with the bat over the past two years.
Now, Pat Cummins has taken the bold move to push him up the order with the 30-year-old set to open for Australia, with Sam Konstas missing out on a call-up.
It means since David Warner’s retirement, Khawaja will have his FIFTH opening partner in the space of 18 months.
While the move has garnered some scrutiny, Cummins has defended his decision to bring the Brisbane Heat batter into the top of the order.
He explained that the decision was partly a reward for how Labuschagne had helped the side reach the final.
‘Marns, again, he’s played some crucial knocks in getting us here. You look back to the MCG (against India) and his batting was right up there as a difference in that match. So, yeah, I think it’s partly (about) rewarding those guys who got us here.
Cummins also revealed the advice he has given to his team-mate, telling reporters on Tuesday: ‘We love when they’re [batters] are busy and putting pressure back on the bowlers.
‘That’s our message here to Marnus, opening the batting can be tough but it can also be the best time to bat before the Dukes ball actually starts swinging and there’s runs to be scored.
‘So it’s keeping that positive intent, (which) is when he’s batting at his best.
‘With Marnus moving, we thought it’s one spot up, it’s not too different to batting at three.
‘He’s done well here in England in the past.’
