Overview
- The opening slot for the Nov. 21 Perth Test remains undecided, with selectors weighing Jake Weatherald or a shift for Marnus Labuschagne to partner Usman Khawaja, while Cameron Green and Beau Webster’s roles are still under consideration.
- Labuschagne batted at No. 3 for Queensland in the Shield, a sign he may remain first drop for Australia as Khawaja returns to open.
- Weatherald and Webster missed out in their final Shield hits, scoring 23 and 13 respectively in Tasmania’s match against South Australia.
- Mitchell Starc collected four wickets on day one for NSW, Brendan Doggett claimed a five-for for South Australia, and Doggett plus Sean Abbott are the designated back-up quicks for the opener.
- Pat Cummins is ruled out of the Perth Test with a back injury and could return for the second match, while Khawaja sat out this Shield round with a minor adductor strain.