Australian stand-in skipper Steve Smith has faced a challenging team selection ahead of the first Ashes Test against England, commencing Friday at Perth's Optus Stadium, labelling the choice to leave out allrounder Beau Webster as 'very tricky'.
Smith confirmed the side will feature a traditional top order, with Test debutants Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett receiving strong endorsements for their first appearances in the baggy green.
Weatherald and Doggett Earn Their Spots
Smith detailed the batting order, confirming that Tasmanian Jake Weatherald, 31, will open the batting with Usman Khawaja, while Marnus Labuschagne holds his pivotal position at first drop. After experiments further up the order, Western Australian allrounder Cameron Green is set to return to the number six slot.
The captain expressed his sympathy for Webster, who was the unfortunate player to miss out. 'Very tricky. He (Webster) has come into international cricket and lit it up immediately. I think it’s a really tough one on him,' Smith stated. He emphasised that a in-form Labuschagne at number three significantly strengthens the Australian lineup.
On new opener Weatherald, Smith was full of praise for his net session courage. 'They are pretty tricky nets, fast, bouncy, a lot of seam and he’s got a lot of courage,' Smith said, highlighting the batsman's willingness to face fast bowlers directly. 'He’s been selected for his performances over the last 18 months... I think he’s going to complement Uzzie pretty well up top.'
Boland and Doggett Step Up for Injured Stars
In the bowling department, South Australian quick Brendan Doggett, also 31, earns his debut, replacing the injured Josh Hazlewood. Veteran Scott Boland comes into the side for absent skipper Pat Cummins, who is recovering from a back injury.
Smith was impressed with Doggett's skills, noting his pace and seam presentation. 'I have faced him in the nets here, he gets the ball down at nice pace, extends the seam up, his lengths are really good,' Smith commented. 'Everything you need for a surface like that out there... I am excited to see him go about his business.'
While Cummins bowled with good rhythm in the nets, Smith indicated a return for the pink-ball Test at the Gabba in December is more likely. The status of Hazlewood's hamstring injury for the remainder of the five-Test series remains unknown.
Confidence in Perth Pitch and Team Resilience
Australia holds a strong 4-1 record at Optus Stadium, their only loss coming against India last summer on a dramatic opening day where 17 wickets fell. Smith expressed belief in his team's ability to bounce back if needed, referencing last year's series turnaround.
The pitch prepared for the match retains a green cover, but groundstaff are confident it will provide a balanced contest. 'It looks a good wicket. Looks pretty similar to last year’s,' Smith observed. 'It is going to have some decent pace and bounce in it.'
With the selections finalised and the captain bullish, all eyes are now on Friday as the latest chapter of the storied Ashes rivalry begins in Western Australia.
