For the WTC 2025 finals, Labuschagne opened alongside Usman Khawaja, scoring 17 runs off 56 balls in the first innings and 22 off 64 in the second. South Africa completed a remarkable turnaround on Saturday after successfully chasing down an imposing 282-run target and claimed a marginal 5-wicket victory over the Kangaroos. Despite failures in both innings, Marnus Labuschagne is backed by Australia head coach Andrew McDonald.
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“He’s a big part of the future of the team. Anyone that averages 45, 46 in Test cricket at that age is important. We’ve got older players there that are closer to the end than the start,” McDonald told reporters.
“We’ve got some younger players that are coming in. If he can get his game in good order for the next four or five years, he can underpin that batting order. But at the moment, he’d be disappointed with the returns. He’s missed out on big scores.”
The Aussie coach has flagged a wildcard option to open in the West Indies – which could end Marnus' stint in the side.
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) June 15, 2025
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McDonald on Khawaja
After Marnus Labuschagne, the opener, Usman Khawaja also failed to create an impact with the bat. In the first innings, he went back to the hut with a duck. With an intent of redeeming himself in the 2nd innings, Khawaja went out to bat, but again the result was in favour of the Proteas.
“He’s on contract, he’s an important player. He gives us stability at his best at the top. And we like to look at our players at their best,” McDonald said, backing Khawaja.
South Africa triumphs after 27 years
South Africa has won the World Test Championship 2025 final against Australia at Lord’s cricket ground by a marginal 5-wicket victory. Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada’s heroic spells led the Proteas to victory. Aiden Markram, after going back to the pavilion on a duck, smashed a stunning half-century and was eventually dismissed at 136 runs. Meanwhile, Proteas speedster Kagiso Rabada tormented the Australian batting order, and Bavuma and Markram also made the mighty Australian bowling suffer ruthlessly.
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