Australia Announces Ashes Squad Changes for Perth Opener
Australia has named its squad for the first Test of the upcoming Ashes series in Perth, featuring a recall for Marnus Labuschagne and the inclusion of Jake Weatherald, with fellow uncapped players Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett also set to make their debuts. Sam Konstas, who had opened the batting for Australia in the recent tour of the West Indies, has been dropped from the eleven for the series opener starting November 21.Australia's selectors have opted to recall Labuschagne to partner Cameron Green at number three. This decision comes after Konstas' disappointing run in the West Indies, scoring just 50 runs across six innings, and also following Labuschagne's impressive performances in the Sheffield Shield season, despite being rested after the World Test Championship final.
Opening the batting will be either Tasmania's Jake Weatherald or Labuschagne, depending on the selectors' final decision. Alongside Weatherald, pace bowler Sean Abbott and all-rounder Brendan Doggett are among the uncapped debutants confirmed for the Perth match.
In the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins, Steve Smith will take charge of the side in the first Test. The bowling attack includes Boland replacing Cummins alongside established seamers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.
However, uncertainty surrounds Green's fitness. The all-rounder has only taken four overs this season and may not be deemed fit to bowl in the Test match, potentially forcing him into a purely batting role at number three. If Green bowls, his position at six could be threatened by Labuschagne should he open the batting.
Chief selector George Bailey stated, "The squad gives us good balance and, with 14 of those chosen playing the next round of Sheffield Shield, we will continue to gather information as we move closer to the start of the first Test."
Experts react to the announcement, highlighting the key questions surrounding Green's bowling capabilities and the opening partnership, suggesting England could exploit this perceived uncertainty. Former England captain Michael Atherton noted the squad size of 15 players, commenting, "Normally, you would pick 12 or 13 players but Australia have picked 15 men which shows they have big decisions to make." He likened the situation to the uncertainty experienced during the 2010-11 Ashes series.Australia's First Ashes Test Squad:
Batsmen: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster
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