Marnus Labuschagne has praised Australia's makeshift opening pair of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald, saying their performances are lifting the entire batting order. The praise comes as selectors weigh up Usman Khawaja's Test future after the 38-year-old missed the second Ashes Test due to a back injury.
Head and Weatherald opened together in Brisbane, with Head scoring quick 33 and 22, while Weatherald made a breakout 72 in the first innings. Labuschagne noted that their fast starts have set the tone for the team, allowing him to come in with momentum and put pressure on bowlers.
Australia has used seven different opening partnerships in 17 Tests since David Warner's retirement, but Head and Weatherald have shown promise. The pair laid a platform for big totals in both innings at the Gabba, including 511 in the first dig.
Selectors face a dilemma ahead of the third Test in Adelaide, starting December 17, the day before Khawaja's 39th birthday. Both Head and Weatherald know the Adelaide Oval well from Sheffield Shield cricket, with Head scoring centuries in his last three Tests there.
Labuschagne expressed confidence in the selectors' judgment, citing their bold call to drop Nathan Lyon for Michael Neser in the pink-ball Test, which was vindicated. He said the team trusts the selection process to make the best decision for each match.
