Usman Khwaja got 5th partner (photo: Instagram)
WTC Final is going to start. But before that Usman Khwaja has got another new partner. Usman Khwaja has got the 5th partner in the last 17 months. The 5th partner of left -arm Australian opener Usman Khwaja is named Marnas Labushen. Now you must have understood that we are talking about Khwaja’s opening partner here. Australian captain Pat Cummins, while announcing the playing XI for the WTC final, made it clear that Usman will open Marnas Labushen with Khwaja.
5th opening partner after David Warner’s retirement
Australia will travel for 12 Tests by the WTC final after David Warner retired, in which its total 5 new opening pair will be seen. This clearly shows that the search for Australia’s Test opener is still going on. David Warner played his last Test in Sydney in January 2024. After that Steve Smith was made the partner of Usman Khwaja in the series against West Indies and New Zealand. Khwaja and Smith opened in 4 Tests by combining both series.
2 openers tried in series against India
After this, in the 5 Test series against India, Australia tried 2 of its young batsmen in the opening with Usman Khwaja. In the first 3 Tests against India, Nathan Maxvini opened with Usman Khwaja. After that Sam Custus was tried in the last 2 Tests.
Travis head became partner against Sri Lanka
Australia’s opening pair changed once again in the 2 Test series against Sri Lanka. In this series played in January-February 2025, Travis Head opened with Usman Khwaja. But, it seems that Pat Cummins did not even get this pair.
Marnas Labushen became 5th partner of Usman Khwaja
Now for the final of the World Test Championships 2025, Marnas Labushen has been made the partner of Usman Khwaja. Marnas Labushen used to play at number 3 for Australia. However, in the WTC final, captain Pat Cummins has approved his opening. It remains to be seen how effective this opening pair proves to Australia.