Overview

• Speaking at a Fox Cricket launch on Monday, David Warner called on selectors to persist with Sam Konstas rather than seeking a short-term replacement.
• Konstas’ lead‑up has been uneven, with an Australia A century and a 49 in India followed by scores of 4 and 14 in the Sheffield Shield opener, and his Test average sits at roughly 16 after five matches.
• Marnus Labuschagne has pressed his case with a recent first-class hundred and limited-overs runs for Queensland, positioning himself as a credible alternative at the top or back at No. 3.
• Konstas resumes his case on Wednesday when New South Wales face Victoria at the Junction Oval, where a Scott Boland-led attack is expected to provide a key examination.
• The opening role has rotated since Warner’s 2024 retirement, and with the first Ashes Test slated for November 21 in Perth, selectors must soon decide on the partner for Usman Khawaja.