Warner Backs Konstas for Ashes Opener, Prefers Labuschagne at No. 3

Former Australian opener David Warner has thrown his support behind young batter Sam Konstas, urging selectors to show faith in him for the upcoming Ashes series opener in Perth. Warner believes Konstas has the game to handle England’s pace attack and should be given a consistent run despite a slow start to the domestic season.

Australia has struggled to lock in a reliable opening partner for Usman Khawaja since Warner’s retirement in early 2024. Konstas, who is the current incumbent, managed just 50 runs across six innings against the West Indies earlier this year. He is one of five players trialed at the top of the order in the last 15 Tests.

Konstas’ bid for retention faces pressure, especially after a lean return in the opening Sheffield Shield match of the season, where he scored 4 and 14 against Western Australia at the WACA. Despite the low scores, Warner and NSW coach Greg Shipperd have called for context, with Shipperd highlighting the challenging conditions described by Nathan Lyon as a “naughty” pitch.

Warner cited Konstas’ century for Australia A in India last month as proof of his potential. “He batted outstandingly there,” Warner said at Kayo Sports’ Summer of Cricket launch. “He probably got overwhelmed by the occasion last year, but I’ve seen him build innings and play some fantastic cricket. I’d like to see him get back to that.”

Konstas made his Test debut against India at the MCG with an aggressive 60 off 65 balls, specifically tasked with disrupting Jasprit Bumrah’s dominance. While initially successful, Warner believes Konstas later struggled to adjust his tempo across different series.

“He got caught up thinking the only way to play was how he did against Bumrah,” Warner said. “He countered that well, but then didn’t adapt for other bowlers. If he can identify those periods and adjust, he’ll go a long way.”

Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne has made a strong case for a Test recall after scoring 160 for Queensland in the first Shield round, adding to two recent one-day hundreds. While some have floated Labuschagne as a potential opener, Warner dismissed that idea.

“I wouldn’t like to see him open,” Warner said. “He should be at No. 3. If someone’s averaging 50 in Test cricket, you’ve got to go back to that.”

A Labuschagne return at No. 3 would likely push Cameron Green down the order and put pressure on Beau Webster, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury but remains in the selection frame.

The second round of the Sheffield Shield will play a crucial role in shaping Australia’s Ashes squad, with Konstas set to face Victoria’s attack — including Test bowler Scott Boland — at the Junction Oval this week.