Australia’s 15-Man Squad Brings Debate

The selectors in Australia have named a 15-man Ashes squad that balances experience and experimentation, though the final XI remains uncertain. The squad's size has sparked some discussion. Still, when spare pacers Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott, and backup wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, are excluded, only 12 players realistically compete for 11 places. 

It was expected that Cameron Green and Beau Webster would both be included, having featured together in Australia’s last four Test matches.

Green’s Dual Role and Fitness Under Scrutiny

Green’s recent deployment purely as a batter at No. 3 came while he was recovering from back surgery and not bowling. It was a new challenge for him, as he had only batted in that position once before in first-class cricket. Marnus Labuschagne opened in one Test before Sam Konstas replaced him in the others, while Green quickly adapted and became one of Australia’s standout performers in the West Indies series.

Now that he has resumed bowling, selectors face a crucial call: should Australia continue with two all-rounders or revert to a more traditional top order? His rehabilitation has been steady but not without setbacks. Although Green has been bowling regularly in nets since June, he has bowled just four overs in competitive matches so far. Some side soreness kept him from bowling in his last Shield game, prompting controlled net and centre-wicket sessions instead.

Green’s Workload Plan Before the Ashes

Reports indicate that Green has bowled 8–10 overs across multiple spells in training. Bailey confirmed that he is expected to bowl between 15 and 20 overs in Western Australia’s next Shield match against Queensland, starting November 11, roughly 8–10 overs per innings. His performance and durability in that game will heavily influence Australia’s final XI for the Perth Test.

If Green bowls well and stays fit, Beau Webster might be the unfortunate omission, as selectors may opt for a single all-rounder and three dedicated top-order batters.

 

Statistical Comparison: Green vs Webster

Webster has put together a strong domestic record, scoring four fifties in 12 innings on difficult surfaces, averaging 34.63 at No. 6. However, Green’s numbers remain superior. Across his last 12 Test innings, Green averages 38.72, mostly while batting at No. 3 or No. 4, including his unbeaten 174 in Wellington and recent scores of 52, 46, and 42 in the Caribbean.

While Webster has eight wickets at 23.25, Green’s home Test record is more compelling, with 22 wickets at 25.63 and a strike rate of 52.1. Notably, he dismissed Joe Root, Zak Crawley, and Ben Stokes twice each, along with Ollie Pope, during the 2021–22 Ashes series.

Opening Puzzle: Weatherald in Line for a Recall

Selectors must also address the vacancy at the top of the order following David Warner’s retirement. If Green bowls enough and Webster is left out, Jake Weatherald could emerge as Usman Khawaja’s sixth opening partner in 15 Tests. Unlike past experiments with Steven Smith, Travis Head, or Labuschagne, Weatherald’s inclusion is built on a dominant domestic form.

Over the last year, Weatherald has scored 1391 runs at 53.50 across 26 innings, including four centuries and seven fifties for Tasmania and Australia A. Many expected Matt Renshaw to take the role, but his 653 runs at 34.36 over the same period weakened his case.

Bailey’s Praise for Weatherald

Bailey commended Weatherald’s fearless batting and composed temperament. The left-hander’s strike rate of 68.65 surpasses Khawaja’s 48.56 and Labuschagne’s 41.47 from recent Test innings. Against India last summer, Australia’s sluggish scoring prompted the selectors to look for a more aggressive option, a void Weatherald could fill.

“That innings is a good example, I think, of what Jake does really well,” Bailey said. “I thought he counter-attacked. It was a wicket that had a little bit in it. Others around him were finding it challenging, and he put pressure back onto the bowlers. And the way he did that, he drove nicely, played off the back foot nicely, he was busy. I think that's a good example of what he looks like at his best.”

Labuschagne’s Return Strengthens the Middle Order

Despite Bailey’s assertion that the final XI remains undecided, Marnus Labuschagne’s return appears certain. After being dropped during the Caribbean tour, he responded with a stunning run of form five centuries in his last eight innings for Queensland. The main question is where he will bat, a decision that depends on Green’s and Webster’s roles.

Labuschagne has scored all 11 of his Test centuries at No. 3, the same position he currently holds for Queensland. He has also registered two first-class hundreds as an opener, including one during the World Test Championship final. Yet, Bailey has not confirmed whether he will return at No. 3.

Bailey on Labuschagne’s Batting Position

“No, not necessarily,” Bailey said. “I think Marn's got a game that could sit anywhere. It could be three. I think I've said a lot in the past that if you can bat in the top three, you've probably got a skill set that's capable of opening the batting. I think a lot of those things will be determined by what other resources you need and the makeup of those around you, and it is complementary.

“People clearly have spots where they've batted the majority of their career, and they all have different records when they do change position. But he can bat three; he could open. He's got the skillset for both, but he's been looking pretty good of late.”

The Case for Complementary Partnerships

Bailey’s mention of “complementary” combinations hints that selectors may avoid pairing Khawaja and Labuschagne as openers. Historically, Labuschagne’s most productive partnerships have come with Warner, Smith, Head, and Matthew Wade, with whom he averages over 50 and has shared multiple century stands. In contrast, his 48 partnerships with Khawaja averaged 31.61, with only two hundreds together.

Within the team setup, there is a belief that Labuschagne’s adaptability depends on his partner’s rhythm, a factor likely to influence the final lineup. If his resurgence holds, the middle order of Labuschagne, Smith, and Head could once again anchor Australia’s batting, forming a core that offers both experience and resilience.

Looking Ahead to the Perth Test

As Australia prepares for the Ashes opener in Perth, selectors face critical decisions on balance, fitness, and form. Green’s performance in the upcoming Shield match may ultimately determine the structure of Australia’s XI, whether they choose all-round flexibility or reinforce their top order.

For England’s bowlers, a lineup featuring Labuschagne, Smith, and Head promises few easy overs. The stage is set for another fiercely contested Ashes, where Australia’s final combination could make all the difference.