Doggett to debut, Labuschagne dropped? Australia's probable XI for 1st Ashes Test

Australia's probable XI for 1st Test [Source: AFP Photo, ESPNCricinfo]

The wait is over as the much-anticipated Ashes series between Australia and England is set to kick off on Friday, November 21, at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The Aussies are the current holders of the Ashes urn, and in home conditions, the team will start as the favourites to retain their crown.

However, at least in the first Test, England will be confident of pulling off a victory as the Australian captain, Pat Cummins, and star pacer, Josh Hazlewood, have been ruled out of the Perth Test due to injuries, and this gives the England batters an advantage.

With the first Test starting on Friday, we take a look at Australia’s probable XI in the absence of Cummins and Hazlewood.

Aussies to hand debut cap to Weatherald?

Ever since David Warner retired, the Australian side has been unable to replace him, with the team trying out Travis Head for a couple of games, Sam Konstas against India, and Marnus Labuschagne for a few matches as well.

However, the team still needs an opener against England to partner Usman Khawaja, and perhaps, Jake Weatherald is the solution.

(Weatherald in first-class cricket)

• 77 matches, 5322 runs, with 13 centuries to his name, Weatherald has been solid for his domestic team in the Sheffield Shield competition, and will suit the openers’ role alongside Khawaja.
• The team was also contemplating on using Marnus Labuschagne at the top, but his best position is at number 3, and the Queensland batter should be played at his designated slot.

Middle-order sorted, fight for all-rounder spot

• Labuschagne is set to get a nod at number 3, and stand-in skipper, Steve Smith will bat at his usual position at 4. The dangerous Travis Head slots in at 5, but the fight remains for the all-rounders’ spot at 6. Labuschagne has been poor for Australia in Tests for the last couple of years, but with limited options at 3, the team will give him one more chance.
• There are two major candidates, Cameron Green and Beau Webster, but for his sheer brilliance in the recent Sheffield Shield games, Green might get the green signal from the team management.
• Green assured Aussie team management of his fitness by scoring a brisk 94 for Western Australia. He played without any signs of back pain that has hindered his career, and also bowled in both innings to silence anyone who had doubts on his capability.
• Australia have backed him since the last few years and he might get the nod ahead of Webster.

Nesser or Doggett, who claims the playing XI spot

In Mitch Starc, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon, the Aussies have three bowlers sorted for the Perth Test match, but question marks remain over the selection of a third pacer and the fight is between Michael Nesser and Brendan Doggett.

However, if the Perth conditions are to go by, then the management might be tempted to give Doggett his debut cap, and the pacer could become Australia’s 472nd Test cricketer.

(Doggett in first-class cricket)

• 190 wickets in 50 first-class games showcase his ability in red-ball cricket, and there are certain traits that makes him a better option over Nesser.
• Doggett has better control over his lines and lengths and is also known for his ability to move the ball both ways at a rapid pace, a trait that makes him a solid option for the Perth Test.

Australia's probable XI for 1st Ashes Test

Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett

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