Overview
- Sam Konstas was lbw to Scott Boland for nought on the fourth ball of New South Wales’ chase at the Junction Oval, a highly watched outing viewed as an Ashes selection audition.
- Selectors are expected to finalise the squad soon, with the first Test against England scheduled for November 21 in Perth.
- Konstas’ case rests on contrasting signals, including a recent Australia A hundred in India alongside low scores in the West Indies and the Sheffield Shield opener.
- Opinion among former greats is split, with David Warner, Brett Lee and Adam Gilchrist urging patience, while Kerry O’Keeffe and Mark Waugh argue for alternatives.
- Marnus Labuschagne’s domestic runs have him firmly in contention alongside options such as Matt Renshaw and Marcus Harris, with reports also noting uncertainty over Pat Cummins’ fitness that could influence selection balance.