Overview
- Former captain Ricky Ponting predicts Marnus Labuschagne will open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja
- Ponting anticipates Cameron Green at three, Steve Smith at four, Travis Head at five and Beau Webster at six with Alex Carey as wicketkeeper
- He expects Pat Cummins to lead the bowling attack at eight followed by Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and, if fit, Josh Hazlewood over Scott Boland
- Labuschagne’s promotion comes despite just one Test century since 2022 and limited impact in recent county cricket, leaving Sam Konstas as a backup opener
- Australia named a 15-player squad in early May and McDonald will confirm the final XI when the team convenes in London before facing South Africa at Lord’s