Cricket fans, get ready! Australia has just unveiled its squad for the highly anticipated first Test of the NRMA Insurance Ashes series, and there are some exciting new faces in the mix. Tasmania's Jake Weatherald is poised to make his international debut, joining the likes of Marnus Labuschagne in a 15-man squad. This series opener is shaping up to be a must-watch!
Let's dive into the details. The squad includes: 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, and Beau Webster.
A few key takeaways:
- Weatherald's Inclusion: Weatherald, who shone last summer with a remarkable 906 runs at an average of 50.33 in the Sheffield Shield, is a strong contender to open the batting. This is a significant opportunity for the talented opener. But, will he make the final XI?
- Labuschagne's Recall: Marnus Labuschagne is back in the squad after a stellar start to the Sheffield Shield season. His return adds significant firepower to the batting lineup. With both Weatherald and Labuschagne in contention, the opening partnership is a hot topic of discussion.
- Uncapped Fast Bowlers: The squad also features two uncapped fast bowlers, adding depth and competition to the bowling attack.
What about the others? Sam Konstas, Khawaja's recent opening partner, has been excluded after a string of low scores. Both Matthew Renshaw and Mitch Marsh have also missed out. The selectors have only announced the squad for the first Test, leaving room for adjustments based on upcoming performances.
The Selection Dilemma: Selection chief George Bailey has indicated that the final XI for the Perth Test is still under consideration. One key factor is Cameron Green's bowling fitness. Green, who is recovering from back surgery, has only bowled four overs in competitive cricket this season.
Potential Team Combinations:
- Green could bat at number six, allowing Labuschagne to bat in his preferred first-drop position, with Weatherald opening.
- Alternatively, Labuschagne (or Weatherald) could replace Konstas, enabling Australia to include both Green and Webster.
- Josh Inglis, the back-up wicketkeeper, is also in the squad and could play as a specialist batter, though his absence from the upcoming Shield round suggests he might not be in the top-order mix.
The Fast Bowling Options: Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott are likely to be on the sidelines, unless there's a late injury to Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, or Josh Hazlewood.
Captaincy: Steve Smith will lead the team in Pat Cummins' absence, who is recovering from a back injury. Cummins is expected to join the squad in Perth later in the series.
The Ashes Series Schedule:
- First Test: November 21-25, Perth Stadium, 1.30pm AEDT
- Second Test: December 4-8, The Gabba, Brisbane (D/N), 3.30pm AEDT
- Third Test: December 17-21: Adelaide Oval, 11am AEDT
- Fourth Test: December 26-30: MCG, Melbourne, 10.30am AEDT
- Fifth Test: January 4-8: SCG, Sydney, 10.30am AEDT
Australia Squad (First Test): 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
England Squad: Ben Stokes (c), Harry Brook (vc), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood
Now, here's where it gets interesting... What do you think of the squad selection? Do you agree with the choices made by the selectors? Who do you think will make the final XI? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's get the conversation started!
