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Just One Position Higher: Cummins Supports Labuschagne as Opener for WTC Final at Lord’s
Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, has confidently endorsed Marnus Labuschagne to open the innings in the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s, signifying a significant change in the team’s top-order lineup.
Cummins has opted for Labuschagne to partner with Usman Khawaja at the top, aiming for the 30-year-old to provide a long-term solution for a position that has seen various contenders following David Warner’s departure.
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Labuschagne, who has yet to open in Test cricket, has managed only one Test century since late 2022 and struggled to make an impact during two recent matches for Glamorgan in the County Championship.
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“Cam Green has shown great form in recent weeks and deserves a place in the batting lineup. We believe batting at three suits him best. Moving Marnus up just means he’s one spot higher; it’s not a significant change. He’s performed well in England before, and all the players have trained hard, with Marnus’s experience at Lord’s and in England influencing our decision,” Cummins shared with reporters in London on Tuesday.
The Australian captain added that while opening in English conditions can be challenging, it also provides opportunities for early runs, particularly before the Dukes ball begins to swing significantly. “Opening can be tough, but it can also be the best time to bat, presenting an opportunity to score,” he noted.
Labuschagne, the former World No. 1 Test batter, will take the field with Usman Khawaja to start the innings, supported by Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, and Beau Webster in a robust middle order.
Green makes his return to Test cricket after recovering from back surgery, while Webster remains in the squad as a valuable all-rounder, offering medium pace and spin options.
In the bowling lineup, Josh Hazlewood was chosen over Scott Boland, a decision Cummins described as among the toughest he’s faced. “Some players, like Scott, have done nothing wrong and it’s unfortunate for him to miss out,” Cummins remarked, affirming Boland’s ongoing significance to the team.
Teenager Sam Konstas, who was in contention for a batting position, was also left out. However, Cummins emphasized the 19-year-old’s role in Australia’s long-term plans, stating, “Realistically, he’s young with a bright future ahead, and we aim to provide him with valuable learning opportunities, even if he’s not playing.”
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru created history in the Women’s Premier League by scoring the highest number of runs in the first over of a match. RCB scored a massive 23 runs in the opening over, setting a new WPL record.
This historic moment took place during the match against Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Gujarat Giants bowler Renuka Singh Thakur conceded 23 runs in the first over, making it the most expensive opening over in WPL history.
Renuka began the over with a wide delivery. The ball went past the wicketkeeper and crossed the boundary, resulting in five runs. RCB batter Grace Harris then took charge of the over. She smashed four consecutive boundaries, putting the Gujarat Giants under pressure.
During the over, Renuka Singh bowled two more wides, adding extra runs to the total. On the final delivery of the over, Grace Harris struck another boundary. This completed a dramatic and record-breaking first over for RCB.
With this, Renuka Singh Thakur recorded the most expensive first over ever bowled in the Women’s Premier League. The previous record was held by Tanuja Kanwar. She had conceded 21 runs in the first over while playing for Gujarat Giants against Mumbai Indians in the 2023 season.
In the same match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru batted first and put up a strong total. RCB scored 182 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. The team showed aggressive batting throughout the innings.
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Gujarat Giants chased the target but failed to keep up with the required run rate. They were bowled out for 150 runs in 18.5 overs. As a result, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the match by 32 runs.
This victory strengthened RCB’s position in the tournament and added a historic achievement to the Women’s Premier League records.
On the first day of the second Test between India and South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, South Africa made a strong start, reaching 247 for 6 at stumps.The venue, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, hosted its very first Test match in history — making the day special for Guwahati and cricket in Assam.
South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first.Their openers, Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35), gave a solid start with a partnership of 82 runs.Later, Tristan Stubbs added 49 before getting out, while Bavuma made 41.
India fought back well thanks to a strong performance by spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He picked up 3 wickets and gave away only 48 runs in 17 overs.Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with an important wicket, dismissing Bavuma. In the final over before stumps, Mohammed Siraj struck, getting Tony de Zorzi out.At the end of play, Senuran Muthusamy was unbeaten on 25, and Kyle Verreynne was 1 not out.
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The light became a concern late in the day. As visibility dropped, play was stopped, and light issues forced the umpires to call it a day early.Overall, India ended Day 1 with a degree of satisfaction. The bowling attack showed discipline, especially through their spinners, and they managed to check the South African momentum.
India A began their Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 campaign with a huge total against the UAE in Doha. Captain Jitesh Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first. Vaibhav Suryavanshi then produced a stunning innings. He scored 144 runs from just 42 balls. His knock included 11 fours and 15 sixes.
Suryavanshi reached his fifty in 17 balls. He completed his century in only 32 balls. He added 163 runs for the second wicket with Naman Dhir, who made 34. Jitesh Sharma also played a quick innings and scored a fast fifty.
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India A finished at 297 for 4 in 20 overs. The team now holds a strong position in the match.
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