Contenders stake claim for batting order spot

COACH Justin Langer has confirmed two batting spots are up for grabs in Australia’s side for the first Test against Pakistan, with Marnus Labuschagne among the incumbents locked in to play at the Gabba.

Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Joe Burns, Will Pucovski and Nic Maddinson lead a crowded field of contenders for the contest, which starts on November 21. All six have been named in a strong Australia A side to face Pakistan in a three-day tour match in Perth starting on November 11.

Two batting positions remain open in the Test XI — one opening slot to partner David Warner and the other at No.6. Langer has confirmed the highly regarded and inform Labuschagne is safe. Matthew Wade also looks set to keep his spot in Brisbane, while Steve Smith, Warner and skipper Tim Paine are certainties. Labuschagne could be forced down the order from No.3 depending on who else is picked.

“He’ll be in the first Test team,” Langer said yesterday.

“He’s done a really good job. He’s played well in England, he’s played well back here. Where he bats will be dependent on who the other selections are.

“I go back to the point, and particularly with the way we’re playing Test cricket, if you can bat in the top three for your Sheffield Shield team, you can bat anywhere in the order.”

Incumbent opener Harris has been in solid shield form but had a forgettable Ashes series. Khawaja and Test vicecaptain Head were both axed during the same tour. Pucovski is a strong chance to make his Test debut, having come close in the series against Sri Lanka last summer.

“We keep saying and we’ll keep pushing the point: keep performing, keep knocking on the door and there’s certainly one or two spots up for grabs for the first Test,” Langer said.