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New Delhi: Marnus Labuschagne has clarified that he won’t open for Australia in the second Ashes Test even if struggling regular opener Usman Khawaja gets dropped.
Khawaja didn’t open in both innings of Australia’s victory in the series opener in Perth, scoring only two runs in the first innings and a back spasm forced Travis Head to take his place up top in the second.
Head's match-turning century as stop-gap opener has sparked fresh debates over composition of Australia’s top order, which they have struggled to resolve since David Warner’s retirement 22 months ago.
Labuschagne and Steve Smith had filled the gap on a temporary basis but it won’t be attempted again in the pink-ball Test at Brisbane.
"I think we can pretty much be sure that Steve or I won't open," he said on Monday ahead of the match from Thursday at Gabba.
Earlier, Australia looked for a batter to open alongside Khawaja, but now the veteran left hander is the one under scrutiny.
"I don't think he needs advice. He's 38, he's been around the block a long time... he's an amazing player,” Labuschagne said.
"And the way he's gone about his game, the way he's gone from a number three, four and then to open the batting, and the way he's done that and navigated some tricky scenarios. He's just been awesome.
"So I don't have any advice for him on it, because... in first-class (cricket) this year, he's batted beautifully. The way he's been batting is awesome."
Regarding his own form at his preferred No. 3 spot, Labuschagne expressed relief to have scored some runs n the second innings in Perth.
He scored his 24th half century in the second innings after managing only nine in the first innings, having been dropped from the team during Australia’s tour of West Indies in June and July after a string of low scores.
He returned to the fold after putting together a string of centuries in domestic cricket and together with Head helped Australia win the first match by eight wickets.
"I personally took a lot away from that. To be able to go out there and finish the game off, build that partnership with Trav and be able to play some really free-flowing cricket was really exciting," he said.
