Marnus Labuschagne was sidelined for Australia's three-match Test series against the West Indies, following his rough patch. After his snub, he regained his form by showcasing impressive outings with the willow in List A games
Marnus Labuschagne (Pic: File Pic)
Ahead of the Ashes Test series against England, Australia has included Marnus Labuschagne in the 15-member squad for the first match of the much-anticipated contest.
The right-hander was sidelined for Australia's three-match Test series against the West Indies, following his rough patch. After his snub, he regained his form by showcasing impressive outings with the willow in List A games. Recently, facing 111 balls, he accumulated 101 runs, with the help of six boundaries and a maximum against New South Wales in Sydney
Opening batsman Jake Weatherald may likely make his debut in November. He is selected ahead of Matt Renshaw and Sam Konstas, although that depends on who is chosen to open with Usman Khawaja.
The 31-year-old Weatherald was the leading scorer in the Sheffield Shield tournament last summer with 906 runs at an average of 50.33.
He scored a century for Australia A against Sri Lanka A in a mid-year series.
Pat Cummins, who is still recovering from his lower back injury, will miss out, and in his absence, Steve Smith will take over the leadership duties.
Scott Boland is expected to join Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood in the pace attack, with uncapped Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott also in the squad as fast bowling options.
Both all-rounders Beau Webster and Cameron Green, have also been included in the squad.
The Australian players have either been involved in first-class cricket with their states to prepare for the Ashes or playing against India in a series of one-day internationals and Twenty20 internationals.
Green's condition and ability to bowl spells as part of a pace attack will be one of the things selectors will be monitoring in next week's round of the domestic first-class competition.
The England squad for the five-test series will be led by Ben Stokes.
The first Test match of the Ashes series between Australia and England is scheduled to be played from November 21 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
Australia's squad for Ashes: Steve Smith (captain), 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.
(With AP Inputs)
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