News | By Alex Malcolm
Australian coach Andrew McDonald has confirmed that veteran batsman Usman Khawaja is guaranteed selection for the upcoming Sydney Ashes Test, although he has received no indication from the 39-year-old regarding potential retirement plans. McDonald also conceded that the Australian batting line-up is currently not operating at its full capacity, focusing on the form of Cameron Green and the intent of Marnus Labuschagne.
McDonald addressed the difficult situation facing Cameron Green, explaining that the all-rounder has batted in five different positions in his last five Tests because he has been unable to solidify a role through consistent run-scoring. He confirmed that Beau Webster remains a viable consideration for the Sydney match. Additionally, McDonald highlighted the concerning lack of positive intent displayed by Marnus Labuschagne in the two most recent Tests, following a solid start to the series.
Khawaja’s future is a key topic of conversation ahead of the Sydney Test, given his age and the fact that Australia will not play another Test for eight months after the Ashes conclude. Khawaja began the series as the team`s long-time incumbent opener but missed the Brisbane Test due to back spasms. He was recalled at the last minute for the Adelaide Test to bat at No. 4, replacing the unwell Steven Smith, just 45 minutes before the toss. He responded with scores of 82 and 40, retaining his place in Melbourne where he contributed 29 runs on a challenging pitch.
McDonald confirmed that the speculation about Khawaja`s retirement is entirely external, assuring the media that the selection panel has received no indication of him considering stepping down before the SCG match.
“We’ve been really clear that we haven’t had a conversation. The speculation has been from the external,” McDonald said. “There’s no indication at my end that he’s calling it in Sydney. His performance in this calendar year has been good enough to warrant selection, so I’d say he’d be there marking centre in Sydney.”
Pressure Mounts on Green and Labuschagne
Cameron Green also missed the optional training session. McDonald stated clearly that Green’s recent lack of runs (scores of 24, 45, 0, 7, 17, and 19 in the series) necessitates fitting him around other players in the lineup, rather than placing him in a fixed role. Green was shifted from No. 5 to No. 7 in Melbourne to bat after Alex Carey.
“He fits around others at the moment,” McDonald said. “He hasn`t nailed down the spot.”
Green has scored only one half-century in his last 17 Test innings, a statistic that makes the case for Beau Webster—who has four half-centuries in just 12 innings—stronger. The coach confirmed that the overall output of the batting unit will be thoroughly reviewed by selectors ahead of Sydney, especially given the importance of World Test Championship (WTC) points.
McDonald confirmed that Marnus Labuschagne’s recent slump in strike rate is a concern. After showing great intent with a strike rate of 73.56 in the first two Tests, his rate plummeted to 37.7 across Adelaide and Melbourne.
“I think with Marn, he won’t mind me saying this, it’s probably when he loses his intent to score he gets himself in bad positions,” McDonald commented. He suggested that when Labuschagne retreats into a purely defensive stance, it introduces errors into his game. “We think it’s a mindset piece and his intent to score, and if he does that he’s at his best… I’d like to see him get busier in his innings.”
Despite the lean patch, McDonald maintained confidence in the batsman: “He still averages 40-plus in Test cricket. He’s had a lean period but he’s a quality player.”
