Australia Contemplate Bold Changes as Ashes Shift to Brisbane
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Australia holds a 1-0 lead in the Ashes after a dominant eight-wicket victory over England in the series opener at Perth Stadium, but significant questions remain regarding the team’s optimal lineup as they prepare for the second Test at the Gabba on December 4. The hosts are monitoring the fitness of several key players, while Travis Head’s sensational Perth century has ignited debate among national selectors. Adding to the complexity, the unique characteristics of the pink Kookaburra ball introduce another layer of intrigue to team composition.
England faces a daunting challenge, having never secured a day-night Test win on Australian soil and last tasting victory in Brisbane in 1986. Overcoming this historical disadvantage and leveling the series before the Boxing Day Test in Adelaide will require a monumental effort from Ben Stokes’ men. Fans can watch The Ashes 2025/26 LIVE and ad-break free during play with FOX CRICKET on Kayo Sports.
Opening Concerns: Khawaja’s Fitness and Head’s Opportunity
The selection of the opening pair remains a central talking point. While it would be a harsh decision to omit Jake Weatherald after scores of 0 and 23 on his Test debut in Perth, selectors recognize his combative approach against the new ball as a potentially valuable asset in Queensland.
The most pressing concern centers on the fitness and form of veteran opener Usman Khawaja, who was hampered by back spasms and unable to face the new ball in either innings of the first Test. According to Australian coach Andrew McDonald, team medics are assessing whether the injury is “more serious” than initially feared, leaving Khawaja’s availability for the pink-ball Test uncertain. “It’s a long way out, a lot of information to gather between now and then,” McDonald told reporters on Monday. “Hopefully Usman is fit and available for selection.”
Khawaja’s recent form has been underwhelming, averaging just 13.88 across his last five Tests and having secured only one century since July 2023. This slump raises the possibility of a swift shift in focus towards his Bulls teammate, Matthew Renshaw, who recently registered his third Sheffield Shield century of the summer – crucially, in a pink-ball match at the Gabba. Khawaja’s only path to retaining his place is through significant runs, should he be given the opportunity in Brisbane. He has struggled against high-quality pace this year, and England speedster Jofra Archer has historically troubled left-handed batters, particularly from around the wicket, as demonstrated during the recent West Indies tour.
Younger contenders Campbell Kellaway and Sam Konstas are potential long-term options, but are not currently pressing for immediate selection.
Khawaja’s injury unexpectedly opened the door for middle-order batter Travis Head to open the batting in the second innings at Perth, a tactical masterstroke that saw him smash a 69-ball century and propel Australia towards victory. Head has long advocated for an opening role, quietly campaigning for the position since David Warner’s Test retirement. His success in seaming conditions and experience against the new ball in white-ball cricket make him a logical like-for-like replacement for Warner. However, selectors may be hesitant to disrupt his highly effective No. 5 position.
Moving Head to the top of the order would resolve a two-year selection headache while simultaneously creating space for another middle-order player, of which Australia has a wealth of options. While the prospect of reinventing Head as an opener is tempting, McDonald suggested the possibility of utilizing him as a second-innings enforcer against the new ball when the match situation demands it. Ultimately, it’s clear that England would prefer to face Khawaja at the top of the order rather than the in-form Head.
Middle Order Dynamics and All-Rounder Options
Barring any unforeseen setbacks, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith are virtually guaranteed their positions at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey and all-rounder Cameron Green are also considered certainties for the Gabba Test.
The most intriguing debate revolves around the No. 5 and No. 6 slots. Head’s established presence at No. 5, coupled with his recent heroics, has fueled speculation of a shake-up. A promotion for Head would create an opportunity for all-rounder Beau Webster to return to the starting XI, having been unlucky to miss out on selection for the series opener.
Webster enjoyed a promising start to his Test career, making his international debut against India in January, where he top-scored in the New Year’s clash at the SCG and contributed a crucial half-century during the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s. His omission from the Perth Test was due to Green’s return to the No. 6 position, but his additional bowling capabilities could prove valuable in Brisbane.
Reserve wicketkeeper Josh Inglis recently reminded selectors of his batting prowess, blasting a rapid century during a Cricket Australia XI match against the England Lions in Perth. The 30-year-old raced to triple figures in 92 deliveries, hitting 15 boundaries and two sixes to lead the hosts to an eight-wicket victory. Inglis, who impressed on his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Galle earlier this year, remains a regular in Australia’s white-ball squads. Victorian veteran Peter Handscomb has also been in excellent form in the Sheffield Shield, scoring 403 runs at 40.30, but currently lacks a pathway into the Test side.
Fast Bowling Quartet and the Spin Dilemma
Pink-ball specialist Mitchell Starc is a near certainty for selection at the Gabba. Having bowled fewer than 25 overs in Perth, the 12-day break between Tests should allow the left-armer ample recovery time. Starc’s record in pink-ball Tests is exceptional, making him a crucial figure, particularly if other members of the ‘big three’ are unavailable.
Captain Pat Cummins, who missed the Perth Test due to a lower back complaint, is showing encouraging signs of recovery, training with his teammates in Western Australia and completing a net session in Sydney with a pink Kookaburra. “It looked like a player that was nearing the completion of his rehabilitation,” McDonald observed. “The intensity was there, the ball speed was there, so there are a lot of positives.” However, with Australia already 1-0 up in the series, selectors may opt to manage Cummins’ workload and prioritize his availability for the third Test in Adelaide. Cummins boasts an impressive record in pink-ball Tests, with 43 wickets at 17.34, including career-best figures of 6-23 against Sri Lanka at the Gabba in 2019.
Should Cummins return, Perth debutant Brendan Doggett would likely make way. Doggett impressed on debut, taking five wickets, but is unlikely to displace Scott Boland in the pecking order. Boland’s Test bowling average of 16.96 is the lowest in a century (minimum 2000 deliveries), dropping to 13.16 in pink-ball contests. Despite a less impactful performance in the first innings in Perth, he remains a significant threat with the pink Kookaburra.
Selectors may also consider Queensland veteran Michael Neser for the Gabba Test, potentially at Doggett’s expense. Neser’s strong record at his home ground and skillset suited to day-night Tests make him a compelling option. He also provides valuable lower-order batting depth. Injured seamer Josh Hazlewood is expected to be available at some stage during the Ashes, but is unlikely to recover in time for the Brisbane Test. Uncapped swing bowlers Xavier Bartlett and Fergus O’Neill are potential future considerations, but an all-pace attack in Brisbane remains unlikely.
Australia’s seam-friendly pitches have, to some extent, diminished the role of veteran spinner Nathan Lyon in recent summers, particularly in pink-ball Tests. Lyon was largely unused during the series opener, bowling only two wicketless overs. He was controversially dropped for Australia’s most recent day-night Test and played a minimal role in the previous pink-ball Test. England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach suggests that many Ashes Tests this summer may not reach the fifth day, when conditions typically favor spinners.
McDonald confirmed that selectors will discuss the possibility of sidelining Lyon for the Gabba Test and opting for an all-pace attack, a strategy Australia hasn’t employed at home since 2012. “It’s not something that we like doing, it’s not the starting point for anything,” McDonald stated. “Will we ask ourselves the question? Of course we will, we do every game.” However, he also acknowledged Lyon’s crucial role in Australia’s previous day-night Test at the Gabba, where he produced a significant workload in challenging conditions. Lyon boasts a strong record in pink-ball Tests with 43 wickets at 25.62 – second only to Starc. Head and Webster are capable of providing part-time spin if required.
The coming days will be crucial as Australia navigates these selection dilemmas, aiming to maintain their momentum and secure a commanding lead in the Ashes series.
