WTC final: Labuschagne bats for Test cricket ahead of Proteas battle

The countdown for the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the 2023-25 cycle may have gone little under the radar so far, but the 11-15 June face-off between champions Australia and South Africa will go a long way in pitching up the long format. The Lord’s, the marquee hosts of many a cricket’s biggest showdowns, will stage the WTC final for the first time.

The absence of crowd-pullers India, who missed the bus after a whitewash at the hands of New Zealand at home and then a 3-1 defeat Down Under, may have contributed to a lack of fizz so far – but one of the pillars of Australian batting feels the final line-up is 'good' for the game. This is the first final India will be missing after two back-to-back appearances, though they are yet to win the long format's big prize.

 “Every time Test cricket is on, people want to watch it. India, Australia and England are probably carrying a bit of the load of Test cricket, but we really want to see all the countries keep producing great players and being part of upholding such an amazing tradition of Test cricket,” said Marnus Labuschagne.

The 30-year-old South Africa born batter was a part of the XI which defeated India by 209 runs at The Oval in 2023 to lift the trophy for the first time. The last time Australia faced South Africa in a Test series was in 2022-23, with the hosts emerging 2-0 winners at home.

 “It is an exciting tournament,” said Labuschagne, a gritty No.3 batter who held up the Aussie top order since becoming Test cricket’s first-ever concussion substitute at Lord’s for someone no less than Steve Smith in the 2019 Ashes. His start had been sensational as after 14 Tests, his average stood at 63.43 and he spent six months as the world’s top-ranked Test batter from December 2021.

 However, runs have been harder to come by in recent times and Labuschagne averages 28.33 in the current WTC cycle with just one century. He made valuable contributions against India in the Australian summer, however, with scores of 64 in Adelaide and 70 and 72 in Melbourne, and has been acclimatising to British conditions during his latest stint with Glamorgan, which has become something of a second home.

 Speaking to the ICC website, Labuschagne – who believes that Test cricket is in a good space – the WTC gives the right context for teams to play for. “It means every Test you play has something on it, it brings all the countries into play and anyone can make the final.

“It’s exciting to play in, you’re playing for a trophy at the end of a two-year cycle. I think it has worked great. Two years ago, when we beat India, it was awesome. I’m looking at it from a player’s perspective and it looks like the game is in a great place,’’ he said.

 Labuschagne is not the only Australian impressing in the County Championship, with fit-again Cameron Green among the runs for Gloucestershire and allrounder Beau Webster impressing with Warwickshire. “I spoke to Greeny last week, he’s going well,” Labuschagne said.

“I think he’s just enjoying being back playing and being able to be on the park after being out for as long as he was.  I haven’t spoken too much to Beau but I’m sure we will reunite in the next week or so, get back on the golf course and have a bit of chat before we get ready for the final,’’ he said.

 Green’s return to fitness and form has given Australia’s selectors a dilemma as to the make-up of their batting order, with speculation Labuschagne may be moved up to open from his usual spot at number three.