Marnus Labuschagne will open the innings for Australia in the World Test Championship final against South Africa, captain Pat Cummins announced on Tuesday. The reigning champions have found it challenging to replace David Warner, who retired 17 months ago, at the top of their batting order. Steve Smith was promoted but returned to batting at number four after four Tests, giving Nathan McSweeney a chance. McSweeney faced difficulties against India late last year, leading to teenager Sam Konstas being included in the side during the home series. Konstas impressed with a blazing 60 on debut but was less effective in the following Test and was replaced by Travis Head for Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka. With Head moving back to number five, Labuschagne, traditionally a number three batsman, has been promoted to open for the first time in his Test career. The 30-year-old, who has not scored a Test century in nearly two years, will partner with his Queensland teammate Usman Khawaja at the top. Cameron Green, who has recently recovered from back surgery, will return at number three. ALSO READ | Star Pacer OUT, New Opener Chosen As Australia Reveal Playing 11 For WTC Final “Cam Green has been in great form the last few weeks, and we thought he deserved a spot in the batting line-up,” Cummins said on the eve of the final. “We believe number three suits him best. With Marnus moving up, it’s just one spot higher, which is not too different from batting at three. He has performed well here in England in the past.” Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been selected ahead of Scott Boland, with all-rounder Beau Webster included to provide additional overs, as Green is still not fit to bowl. Boland, who took 10 wickets in his last Test against India in Sydney, has never played at Lord’s. Hazlewood, who recently recovered from a shoulder problem, has taken 13 wickets in three Tests at Lord’s. “There are some players who have done nothing wrong, and Scotty is one of them,” said Cummins. “He is just really unfortunate to miss out.” The match, starting on Wednesday, is only the third WTC final, but Cummins emphasised its importance. “It’s a trophy we’ve talked about a lot over the past couple of years. Test cricket is my favourite format. To qualify for this final, you have to win in various conditions. Retaining that mace would be an incredible achievement for this team.” (With inputs from AFP)