the Ashes 2025-26 The series is fast approaching, and anticipation is already building Australia Prepare to host arch rivals England In what promises to be another hotly contested battle. With the first Test scheduled at Perth Stadium, one of the major talking points in Australian cricket is identity Othman Al KhawajaOpening partner. Since retirement David Warnerthe selectors have tried multiple combinations without finding a long-term solution at the top of the order.
David Warner names Usman Khawaja’s opening partner for the first Ashes Test
Former opener Warner has now voiced his opinion, throwing his support behind the young batsman Sam To open alongside Al Khawaja in the Ashes opener. Warner believes Konstas has the right technique and mentality to succeed against England’s fast bowlers and urged the selectors to give him an extended tour despite his recent mediocre performances.
“I would probably like them to stick with Sam and give him a chance. He scored that hundred in the Australia A series in India last month and batted brilliantly there. I don’t think we saw what Sam Konstas can really do. Last year, the occasion might have overwhelmed him, but he’s a good player. I’ve seen him play some great innings and build it with patience. He just needs to focus on doing it again,” he said. Warner said at the launch of Kayo Sports’ Summer of Cricket program in Sydney.
Konstas, who managed just 50 runs in six innings during the West Indies series earlier this year, will be keen to strengthen his case for retention when he represents New South Wales in the second round of the Sheffield Shield against Victoria at Junction Oval. Facing a strong bowling attack that stands out Scott Boland and Fergus O’Neillthe 21-year-old has a crucial chance to impress the national selectors.
Despite a difficult start to the domestic season with a score of 4 and 14 against Western Australia in Perth, both New South Wales coaches Greg Shepherd And the veteran dizziness Nathan Lyon He defended the youngster, noting the “naughty” nature of the WACA pitch made batting extremely difficult.
A warning about where Marnus Labuschagne should hit
Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne He continues to press his claim for a Test call-up with dominant performances for Queensland. The right-hander recently scored 160 runs in the Sheffield Shield, complemented by back-to-back centuries in the domestic one-day competition, making him a strong contender for the upcoming Ashes team. While Warner praised Labuschagne’s form, he was reluctant to see him move up the pecking order.
“He’s done enough to get back into the team, there’s no doubt about that. But I don’t want to see him open. Marnus is set up to finish third – that’s where he’s most effective. When someone averages 50 in Tests, you don’t experience that,” Warner added.
As the countdown to the tournament continues, the dilemma of whether Australia will come out on top remains one of the biggest talking points. Whether the selectors choose the youthful promise of Constance or the experience of Labuschagne, the Perth Test will mark the start of another exciting chapter in cricket’s oldest rivalry.
Read also: England announce 16-member Test squad for the upcoming Ashes, with no room for Chris Woakes
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