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Australia rejigged their top order for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final against South Africa. Young Sam Konstas did not find a place. Marnus Labuschagne was promoted as opener whereas Cameron Green walked into the side as a batter at no.3. Green had scored three centuries and one fifty in his last five games for Gloucestershire in County cricket but international cricket is a different ball-game altogether. In both innings, South Africa pace-bowling attack spearhead Kagiso Rabada dismissed him early. As Green registered scores of 4 and 0, former Australian pacer Damien Fleming does not see him technically sound to bat at no.3.
"We’ve complicated things here. I don’t like the top 3. Cam Green is not No 3. I’m a fan but where do you fit him in? He’s probably - in this line up - suited to No 6 but Beau Webster is not a superstar, but he’s just so handy in all three facets. Cam Green, watch his technique, he’s not technically efficient enough to bat at top 3 – these are specialist roles," Fleming told SEN.
At the end of Day 3, South Africa needed just 69 runs to win the final. They have eight wickets in hand. Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma did not just endure but dominated Australian pacers and Nathan Lyon.
Inglis in lineup against West Indies
Fleming is already thinking about the West Indies tour. He feels Usman Khawajan won't be dropped and Josh Inglis will walk into the playing XI.
"I won’t be surprised if Inglis comes in in the West Indies but is he going to bat in the top 6 against England? There’s so many questions. We have got to pick openers.Usman might get to the end of the Ashes and I expect him to get runs in the West Indies because it wont be dissimilar to Sri Lanka," he added.
Smith doubtful for West Indies tour
Meanwhile, Steve Smith's injury is a concern for Australia. Smith's little finger was dislocated while attempting to take a catch at first slip. Temba Bavuma got a second chance but Smith has been ruled out of WTC 2025 final. He is also doubtful for the West Indies tour.
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