Adelaide, Dec 8 (UNI) Riding high on a 2-0 series lead, Australia are prepared to make hard selection decisions as they look to seal the Ashes in the third Test against England starting December 17 at the Adelaide Oval.
The hosts registered a commanding eight-wicket win in Brisbane on Sunday, giving them a long break before the next ICC World Test Championship fixture.
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) website, skipper Pat Cummins is set to return to the playing XI, while the fitness of opener Usman Khawaja and pacer Josh Hazlewood will be closely monitored in the lead-up to the red-ball match.
Australia may also consider recalling veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, who was omitted for the day-night Test at the Gabba. Marnus Labuschagne hinted that selectors are likely to tailor the combination to suit conditions in Adelaide.
“I’m not a selector, but what I will say is the same way they (selectors) looked at this game, they looked at the game objectively and said what the best way for us to win this game with all the information we have on pink-ball cricket,” Labuschagne noted.
“What plays, what favours it’s been (in past Tests). Is it pace or whatever that is, or what type of bowler? And then they make the decision,” he added.
If Cummins, Hazlewood, and Lyon and do return in Adelaide, then there are going to be some unlucky players who make way for Australia after the likes of Michael Neser, Scott Boland, and Brendan Doggett all impressed at different stages of the Gabba triumph.
Neser, in particular, played a vital role as he picked up a five-wicket haul in England’s second innings, and the performance came as no surprise to Labuschagne.
“To see him take five wickets with an old ball…it was awesome,” Labuschagne said. “There was a moment earlier in the season where I was just like, man, I hope he gets his chance.”
“I saw the writing on the wall there that there’s potential for him to be able to come in and deliver. I think there was a little bit of nerves in the first innings, and then to come out second innings and play that role, get a five-wicket, I was just so happy,” he said.
“He just keeps delivering and delivering, and we didn’t see the best of his batting either, and I think that’s probably the exciting part as well, is he’s got a lot to offer with not only the ball but that (batting) and his fielding.”
The No.3 batter has been one of Australia’s most consistent performers, scoring 128 runs, including two half-centuries, in the first two Tests, making him the third-highest run-getter across both teams. He credited openers Jake Weatherald and Travis Head for providing stability at the top and said adaptability has been key to his form.
“I pride myself on being able to read the conditions and play what’s in front of me and what is necessary at certain times,” Labuschagne added. “It’s been nice to come off the back of momentum and be able to put the bowlers under pressure from the start of my innings.”
“I’ve really enjoyed that, but you know, it’s once again, it’s each game on its own, trying to read the conditions and read what the team needs.”
Australia weighs tough calls as Cummins nears return for Adelaide
