Canberra, Nov 10: Former Australian captain Greg Chappell has voiced strong criticism of Australia’s selection strategy ahead of the upcoming Ashes Test against England, questioning the reported plan to promote Marnus Labuschagne as an opener alongside Usman Khawaja. Writing in his ESPNcricinfo column, Chappell cautioned that such a move could destabilise the batting order and jeopardise the team’s balance.
According to Chappell, despite the inclusion of specialist opener Jake Weatherald in the squad, the selectors appear intent on reshuffling the top order to accommodate all-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster in the playing XI.
“Despite selecting a specialist opener in Jake Weatherald, I believe the intention is to send Marnus Labuschagne out to open with Khawaja,” Chappell wrote. “This will allow Green and Webster to play, giving the squad a better balance of batting and bowling—especially since Green has barely bowled since his back surgery.”
The former skipper, however, warned that this decision could prove costly. “Opening with Labuschagne is extremely risky,” Chappell noted. “He is a natural No. 3, where he has been prolific. The fact that the selectors are considering him as an opener suggests they don’t trust their specialists, and that one or both of Green and Webster are not yet ready for the bowling workloads required in Test cricket.”
Drawing parallels with former Australian greats, Chappell argued that batting positions are more than just numbers.
“Ian Chappell and Ricky Ponting were exceptional No. 3 batters, but that doesn’t mean they would have succeeded as openers,” he explained. “Walking in early in the innings is not the same as opening the batting—the mindset and preparation are completely different.”Chappell also lauded Labuschagne’s recent resurgence, crediting his renewed attacking intent for his improved form. “Marnus has reinvented himself this summer by returning to the intent he showed early in his career. For a while, he looked like someone batting merely to survive. That risk-averse attitude increases the risk of dismissal because it restricts movement and scoring opportunities. It would be a shame to interrupt his return to form by asking him to bat out of position.”
Offering an alternative, Chappell suggested that Mitchell Marsh would be a better fit as a makeshift opener for the Perth Test. “Mitch Marsh would have been my choice,” he said. “It’s a left-field option, but he grew up in Perth, understands the bounce, is one of Australia’s best players of pace, and could contribute with the ball as well.”
Chappell further warned that promoting Labuschagne could unsettle the entire batting structure. “If they open with Marnus, Green will likely bat at No. 3 again—a position that doesn’t suit him,” he pointed out.
“That could leave Australia’s batting dangerously unbalanced. Green is better suited for No. 4, where he can prepare properly before coming in, especially if he’s expected to bowl long spells.” (Agencies)
