Cummins flags Oz shake-up post WTC loss, coach McDonald backs Labuschagne

Australia could shake up their batting after crashing to South Africa in the World Test Championship final, with captain Pat Cummins saying a “reset” was needed ahead of three Tests in the West Indies and a home Ashes series.

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The five-wicket defeat at Lord's on Saturday, after posting a 74-run first-innings lead, has renewed focus on Australia's top order which has struggled since opener David Warner retired 17 months ago.

The elevation of out-of-form Marnus Labuschagne as Usman Khawaja's fifth opening partner since Warner bowed out did not work, while the experiment of Cameron Green at three flopped.

The 38-year-old Khawaja is also under the microscope, scoring nought and six as his lean spell against pace continued.

Green made four in the first innings and lasted only two balls before departing for a duck in the second as the new-look top three managed a total of 49 runs in the match.

Australia's batting woes were laid bare, particularly in the second innings, when only a plucky unbeaten fifty from fast-bowler Mitchell Starc and 43 from wicketkeeper Alex Carey gave the Proteas a tough chase.

"There's probably quite a few people in the line-up that wish they could have done a little bit more," Cummins told reporters.