Aussie cricket legend Steve Waugh has sparked a debate about the upcoming Ashes squad selection, taking aim at the selectors and their choices. With the squad announcement looming, the big question on everyone's mind is who will open the batting for Australia in the first Test, kicking off in Perth on November 21.
Chief selector George Bailey, along with fellow selectors Tony Dodemaide and coach Andrew McDonald, will reveal the squad at 12 pm (AEDT) on the Gold Coast. The main dilemma they face is deciding who will partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order.
Matthew Renshaw has emerged as a strong contender, thanks to his solid performances for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield and domestic 50-over competitions, as well as his composed showing in the recent ODI series against India. The left-handed Renshaw, at 29 years old, has already played 14 Tests for Australia since his debut in 2016, including the 2023 tour of India.
Another leading option is Jake Weatherald, who has scored an impressive 248 runs at an average of 41.33 for Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield. The race between Renshaw and Weatherald for the opener's spot is said to be incredibly close, while Sam Konstas seems resigned to missing out.
Mitch Marsh, the Australian white-ball captain, is also in the mix after his strong form in the ODIs against India. Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne, who was dropped for the West Indies tour earlier this year, is set for a recall after scoring five centuries in eight innings across the Sheffield Shield and One-Day Cup for Queensland.
All-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster are expected to be named in the squad, but their inclusion in the final XI is not yet certain. Pat Cummins will travel with the squad to Perth as he continues his recovery from a stress fracture in his back, with Steve Smith stepping in as stand-in captain.
But here's where it gets controversial... Former Test captain Steve Waugh has called on the selectors to make some tough decisions, especially regarding the impending retirements of Australia's ageing team. Waugh believes Bailey and the selectors need to bring in new players to manage this transition effectively.
"George Bailey will have to make some difficult choices. In the past, he hasn't always shown a willingness to do so, but now he must step up and work with the other selectors to ensure a smooth transition," Waugh said.
Waugh emphasized the importance of not losing multiple key players at once, as it could leave a significant gap in the team. He added, "I'd like to see the selectors pick the sides, not the players. It's their job to make these decisions, not the players themselves."
Usman Khawaja, who will turn 39 during the Ashes, has backed his Queensland teammate Renshaw, praising his ability to adapt and perform at higher levels.
However, Sam Konstas, who has had a challenging start to the domestic season with NSW, is expected to miss out on the Ashes squad. Waugh expressed sympathy for Konstas, drawing parallels to his own early days in the Australian team when he lacked confidence and consistency.
"It's tough to learn Test cricket while you're playing it. I went through that for a couple of years myself. Konstas needs to go back to Shield cricket, build some long innings, and truly understand his game before returning to the international stage with confidence," Waugh advised.
So, who do you think should open the batting for Australia in the Ashes? And what are your thoughts on the selectors' choices and the need for transition in the team? Let us know in the comments!
