Ashes 2025-26: David Warner picks the opening partner of Usman Khawaja for the Perth Test

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The Ashes 2025-26 series is fast approaching, and anticipation is already building as Australia prepare to host arch-rivals England in what promises to be another fiercely contested battle. With the first Test scheduled at the Perth Stadium, one of the key talking points in Australian cricket is the identity of Usman Khawaja’s opening partner. Since the retirement of David Warner, the selectors have tried multiple combinations without finding a long-term solution at the top of the order.

Former opener Warner has now voiced his opinion, throwing his support behind young batter Sam Konstas to open alongside Khawaja in the Ashes opener. Warner believes Konstas has the right technique and mindset to succeed against England’s fast bowlers and urged the selectors to give him an extended run despite his modest recent performances.

“I’d like them to probably stick with Sam and give him a crack. He scored that hundred in the Australia A series in India last month and batted outstandingly there. I don’t think we’ve seen what Sam Konstas is truly capable of. Last year, he might have been overwhelmed by the occasion, but he’s a quality player. I’ve seen him play some terrific innings and build them patiently. He just needs to focus on doing that again,” Warner said during the launch of Kayo Sports’ Summer of Cricket in Sydney.

Konstas, who managed only 50 runs in six innings during the West Indies series earlier this year, will be keen to strengthen his case for retention when he represents New South Wales in the second round of the Sheffield Shield against Victoria at Junction Oval. Facing a strong bowling attack featuring Scott Boland and Fergus O’Neill, the 21-year-old has a crucial opportunity to impress the national selectors.

Despite a tough start to the domestic season with scores of 4 and 14 against Western Australia in Perth, both NSW coach Greg Shipperd and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon defended the youngster, citing the ‘naughty’ nature of the WACA pitch that made batting extremely difficult.

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Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne continues to press his claim for a Test recall with dominant performances for Queensland. The right-hander recently scored 160 in the Sheffield Shield, complemented by back-to-back centuries in the domestic one-day competition, making him a strong contender for the upcoming Ashes squad. While Warner praised Labuschagne’s form, he was reluctant to see him move up the order.

“He’s done enough to be back in the side, no doubt about it. But I wouldn’t want to see him open. Marnus is made for No. 3 — that’s where he’s most effective. When someone averages 50 in Tests, you don’t experiment with that,” Warner added.

As the countdown to the Ashes continues, Australia’s selection dilemma at the top remains one of the biggest talking points. Whether the selectors opt for the youthful promise of Konstas or the experience of Labuschagne, the Perth Test will mark the beginning of another thrilling chapter in cricket’s oldest rivalry.

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