'It's pretty clear that Sam Konstas is not the finished product': Australia's chief selector backs these 2 batters to open in WTC 2025 final

"I think he could do it. I think Marnus could open the batting," Bailey told reporters on May 13 morning as Australia's WTC final squad was announced.

 

 

"A number of guys could open the batting, but certainly that's not to say that they will. I think (Inglis) could do it (too).

 

 

"I do think that it's a role that more people could do it than we would probably give credit to.

 

 

"There is a prevailing thought it's a specialised role, but I think in certain conditions there's opportunities at different times where other guys could do it."

 

 

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19-year-old Konstas was picked as Nathan McSweeney's replacement during Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He scored a half-century on Test debut and took on world no.1 bowler Jasprit Bumrah. He has 113 runs from four innings so far. He wasn't considered to open on Sri Lankan pitches, fell ill and was sent back home.

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Bailey did not confirm Konstas as opener for the all-important final but did not rule out the possibility either. 

"It's pretty clear that he's not the finished product," Bailey said when asked about Konstas' chances of playing in WTC 2025 final.  

 

 

"He's on a journey. He's a highly talented player.

 

 

"But again, that's not to discount his ability to play in the World Test Championship, should he be required."

 

 

Labuschagne in top-order, Inglis' Test debut

On the other hand, Labuschagne has never opened in Test cricket. He averages 48.83 at no.3 with 3,956 runs from 89 innings. Inglis made his Test debut at no.5 against Sri Lanka and scored a century. In the next Test, he was dismissed for a duck.