The Ashes: Marnus Labuschagne bats three for Queensland in sign of Australia’s top order against England

Marnus Labuschagne has given the biggest hint yet at the make-up of Australia’s top order for the first Ashes Test in Perth next week.

The Queensland skipper opted to bat at three on the first day of his side’s Sheffield Shield clash against Western Australia at the WACA despite Usman Khawaja missing the contest.

Khawaja’s absence left an opening position vacant, a golden opportunity for Labuschagne to get some practice should he be required to open against England.

However, in positive signs for a Test debut for Tasmanian opener Jake Weatherald, Labuschagne remained at three with Angus Lovell coming into the Queensland line-up as a specialist opener.

Weatherald sparked concerns about him opening for Australia next week when he chopped on for 23 against South Australia on Monday.

But after a year of experimenting at the top of the order, it appears selectors are set to opt for an experienced and traditional opening batsman.

Khawaja has had six different opening partners since David Warner retired in early 2024, including Labuschagne during the failed World Test Championship Final against South Africa at Lord’s.

Weatherald would make it seven if named to make his baggy green debut on November 21.

Labuschagne looked steady in the first session at the WACA with the greenish deck playing few tricks.

However, the going was tough after Queensland was sent into bat by WA skipper Sam Whiteman in his 100th shield appearance, the visitors creeping to 1-77 at the Lunch break.

Matt Renshaw, who missed the squad for the first Ashes Test but is still in the frame should Australia’s top order be exposed in the opening matches, batted with strong intent to make his way to 48 not out at the break, including a maximum in just the day’s fifth over.