Marnus Labuschagne has returned to his preferred number three position in the playing XI, which includes two debutants – Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett – for the first Ashes Test in Perth, set to begin tomorrow (November 21). This will mark the first time the hosts have selected multiple debutants in a Test since early 2019.
On the back of a stellar run for Queensland in domestic cricket, Labuschagne has earned his spot back. With his return, Beau Webster, who played an important part in the WTC final, has been left out. Labuschagne’s reinstatement at number three means that Cameron Green will be slotted back into the middle order.
“It was very tricky. I think Beau came into international cricket and lit it up immediately, so I think it’s a really tough one on him,” Smith said on the eve of the match. “But I think Marnus, when he’s batting at his best at number three, makes us a very, very good cricket side. And we couldn’t really leave him out after he came back and did exactly what was asked of him. The way he’s batted in Shield cricket and one-day cricket for Queensland in the last couple of weeks has been amazing.”
Australia will field a new-look pace attack featuring Doggett, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland. Stand-in captain Smith is excited to see how Doggett fares in his first Test.
“Brendan’s been on a few tours with Australia. He is very skilful and I think he’s improved a hell of a lot over the last few years, and I’m excited to see him go about his business,” he added.
Weatherald is set to open the batting with Usman Khawaja. The Tasmanian-based cricketer will become the sixth opening partner for Khawaja since the retirement of David Warner.
Australia XI for the First Ashes Test:
Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith (capt), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett
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