Australia's preparations for the 2025/26 Ashes have been dominated by a single question: who will open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja?
Since David Warner's retirement, the opening spot has become a revolving door, with Khawaja partnering five different players in 12 Tests, averaging a collective and alarming 20.11.
The failure to find a suitable partner has led to a high-stakes "bat-off" in the domestic Sheffield Shield, with several contenders vying for the chance to face England's new-ball attack.
The search is complicated by the fact that the two most in-form candidates are specialist middle-order batsmen.
The final selection decision for the first Test in Perth on November 21 will be one of the most scrutinised calls the Australian selectors have made in years.
The contenders and their First Class credentials
Khawaja's spot at the top of the order is secured, but his partner will be chosen from a pool of players with varying experience and recent form.
| Player | Role | First Class Average | Test Matches | Recent Form (Shield) |
| Marnus Labuschagne | Specialist No. 3 | 44.52 | 58 | 160 in his last innings |
| Matt Renshaw | Opener/Middle Order | 37.28 | 14 | 128 in his last opening innings |
| Sam Konstas | Young Opener | 31.70 | 6 | Scores of 4 and 14 |
| Jake Weatherald | Opener | 37.47 | N/A | High run-scorer in the last Shield season |
Marnus Labuschagne has thrown his hat into the ring by admitting he would "love to" open if it meant a Test recall, responding to his recent ODI snub with three first-class centuries in his last four innings.
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Meanwhile, the young incumbent Sam Konstas is being taken out of the firing line after a poor start to the Shield season.
The most likely opening pair for Perth
The decision on the opening partnership will hinge on whether selectors stick to the structure or pick the best players available.
Given the high-pressure environment of the Ashes, the most likely pair to walk out in Perth is Khawaja and Labuschagne.
Coach Andrew McDonald has given Labuschagne's new, proactive approach a "big tick," confirming that the former No. 1 Test batter is still viewed as a potential opener.
With Steve Smith a lock at No. 4, slotting Labuschagne in at No. 2 allows the selectors to accommodate an all-rounder like Cameron Green or Beau Webster and maintain the team's balance.
While Matt Renshaw has strong claims, the selectors have a history of favouring established international talent in the Ashes cauldron.
Final Prediction: Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne will open for Australia.
Cricket news and related links
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