Marnus Labuschagne will open for Australia in the World Test Championship final against South Africa, captain Pat Cummins announced Tuesday.

Reigning champions Australia have struggled to fill the gap at the top of their order left by the retirement of David Warner 17 months ago. Steve Smith initially plugged the hole, but only lasted four Tests before dropping back down to four and giving Nathan McSweeney a chance.

McSweeney struggled against the Jasprit Bumrah-led India late last year, with teenager Sam Konstas thrust into the side during the home series. He scored a blazing 60 on debut, but was less effective in the next Test and was jettisoned in favour of Travis Head for Australia`s tour of Sri Lanka. But with Head reverting to five, Labuschagne, best known as a number three, has been promoted to open for the first time in his Test career.