The Ashes 2025/26 is set to ignite a fiery debate among cricket enthusiasts, as Australian legend Steve Waugh warns against a potential blunder involving star player Marnus Labuschagne. But here's where it gets controversial—should a player's position be altered for a high-stakes series?
Waugh, a revered former captain, has expressed concerns about the idea of reinventing Labuschagne as an opener for the highly anticipated series against England. This comes as the 15-player Australian squad for the first Test in Perth is announced, with Labuschagne's selection being a no-brainer due to his exceptional form.
The conundrum arises as the only other specialist opener, Jake Weatherald, is chosen to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order. Head selector George Bailey has hinted at the possibility of Labuschagne opening, alongside fielding two all-rounders, if Cameron Green is fit to bowl with Beau Webster.
Labuschagne, a right-hander, has been in stellar form, smashing five centuries for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield and the One-Day Cup. Yet, the debate rages on—should he stick to his preferred No. 3 position or take on the opener's role?
Waugh's words carry weight: "You don't want to mess with a guy who's not a traditional opener in an Ashes series. There's immense pressure." He emphasizes the need for experienced openers against England's formidable attack, which has been preparing for this series for a long time.
The article also sheds light on the plight of Tasmanian all-rounder Beau Webster, who, despite a stellar start to his international career, is at risk of missing out on the Test starting XI. Waugh sympathizes, stating, "He's going to be unlucky if he misses out... He deserves his spot." Webster's slip catching skills are highlighted as an added bonus for the team.
Meanwhile, opener Sam Konstas' struggles in the Test arena mirror Waugh's early career challenges. Waugh advises Konstas to refine his batting at the Sheffield Shield level, acknowledging the difficulty of learning Test cricket while playing it. He suggests building confidence through long innings, a strategy Waugh himself employed during his rise to greatness.
As the series approaches, Waugh predicts a competitive contest, expecting England to push Australia hard, especially with their quality bowling attack. He identifies spin bowling as England's potential weakness, but acknowledges Joe Root's underrated off-spin skills.
Will Australia heed Waugh's advice? Is the potential Marnus move a masterstroke or a mistake? The cricket world eagerly awaits the outcome of this intriguing Ashes saga.
