Australia recently announced the squad for the WTC Finals. This will happen against India at the Lord’s. The same squad will also operate for Australia in the first two Tests. There were doubts that David Warner would make the cut. Now that he has been selected, he is most likely going to get a spot in the playing XI, as well. However, that also depends on the preparation stage and if the form of others would be good. Hence, there is every chance that Warner might not be included in the playing XI. Here, we take a look at the opening combinations Australia could try for WTC Finals if David Warner does not make it to the playing XI.
1) Usman Khawaja and Matt Renshaw
Usman Khawaja is a certain inclusion in the playing XI. He is likely to play in the WTC finals and also in all the Ashes games unless he is in extremely poor form.
For the other option, Australia could consider Matt Renshaw. Yes, the cricketer’s recent record has not been great but that was in unfavourable conditions in India for the player. In terms of grooming for the future, he would be an option for the team.
Thoughts on the squad Australia are taking to the UK? #Ashes #WTCFinal pic.twitter.com/W1cKaY51PW
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) April 19, 2023
2) Usman Khawaja and Travis Head
Usman Khawaja and Travis Head will be one of the opening combinations Australia could try for the WTC Finals if David Warner does not make it to the playing XI. We already explained the reason why Usman Khawaja will not be displaced in this setup.
Head is not a regular opener in Tests but he opened the batting in the last two Tests that Australia has played. Considering he is in good form, this is one option that the management can seriously consider. With Mitchell Marsh available in the team for a middle-order role, Australia’s chances of having Travis Head as one of the openers have further increased. That said, Marcus Harris is also in the team. If Australia had Head as an opening option, they would have probably not had Harris.
