And that’s that. Everyone in the squad for the first Test has logged their final competitive overs – Shield, white-ball, whatever they could squeeze in – before the Ashes starts in Perth. A few batters look in prime nick, a couple of bowlers have been nibbling away nicely, and, yes, one or two names carry the odd question mark. Below is a quick run-through of what they’ve done in the past month and what it might mean once England arrive.
Usman Khawaja
Sheffield Shield – 3 matches, 202 runs, ave 50.50, best 87
A tidy tune-up. He sat out the most recent round by design, having already banked three solid knocks. Looked composed against NSW pace at the SCG, though England’s quicker attack will give a sterner examination. Still, 50-plus in early-season Brisbane conditions is never useless.
Jake Weatherald
Sheffield Shield – 4 matches, 301 runs, ave 37.62
One-Day Cup – 2 matches, 28 runs
No century yet, but the breezy 94 against WA felt like the innings that pushed him into the Test squad. The left-hander cut and pulled with trademark freedom – exactly why the selectors like him. Two low ones since then aren’t ideal, yet he sounds relaxed about it. Expect intent rather than circumspection if he gets the cap.
Marnus Labuschagne
Sheffield Shield – 4 matches, 402 runs, ave 67, 2 hundreds
One-Day Cup – 4 matches, 338 runs, ave 84.50, 3 hundreds
Dropped in the Caribbean, now back with a bang. Runs everywhere, but, more important, runs scored at tempo – the Marnus of 2019-22. There has been less fidgeting between balls and more clarity in shot selection. He looks as settled as he has for 18 months.
Steven Smith
Sheffield Shield – 2 matches, 231 runs, ave 115.50
Told anyone who would listen that he felt ready before the season even began, then rattled off scores of 124 and 107* in tricky Sydney conditions. The slip catch to remove Sam Harper – low, sharp, two-handed – suggested the reflexes remain frightening.
Travis Head
ODIs v India – 3 matches, 65 runs
T20Is v India – 6 matches, 78 runs
Sheffield Shield – 1 match, 21 runs
Head’s figures read lukewarm, and even he concedes the output has dipped. Then again, this bloke plays golf-swing drives in a World Cup final and comes up trumps, so nerves in November feel premature. “I take confidence in the last Test series we played in West Indies,” he told Fox Sports. “I felt like on tough wickets I played well…I try to adapt to conditions and win games of cricket for Australia. I’m not too worried about output, I know I’m working hard, I know I’m ready to go.” The selectors appear to agree.
Cameron Green
Sheffield Shield – 3 matches, 268 runs, ave 67; 7 wickets at 24
Still finding the right tempo at No.6 but has peeled off a couple of patient fifties and bowled decent mid-140kph spells. His height brings bounce others don’t, handy on the slightly spicier Perth surface.
Alex Carey
Sheffield Shield – 2 matches, 145 runs, 12 dismissals
Has kept tidily and, crucially, spent time in the middle after a lean World Cup. The unbeaten 78 against Queensland was grit personified; the short ball remains a work-on but there were signs of a clearer plan.
Pat Cummins
ODIs v India – 3 matches, 6 wickets, econ 4.7
Shield rest period – bowled 20 overs in one outing, 2 for 46
Managed workload carefully. Pace remains high 140s, seam position immaculate. Nothing more to say, really – he’s Cummins.
Mitchell Starc
ODIs v India – 3 matches, 4 wickets, econ 5.1
Shield – 1 match, 3 for 67 and 35 with the bat
Looked a touch rusty first up but soon hooping it at pace. The late inswinger to remove Marcus Harris was the pick. Batting cameo reminded everyone he still clubs a mean lower-order fifty.
Josh Hazlewood
Sheffield Shield – 2 matches, 9 wickets at 18
Bowled long spells without complaint after last summer’s side-strain dramas. Control as miserly as ever; the wobble-seam ball landed on a 20-cent piece for two straight days at the Gabba.
Scott Boland
Sheffield Shield – 3 matches, 15 wickets at 19
Bang on brand: full, straight, seam upright. Victoria’s captain noted that Boland “makes you play every ball”, which sums him up. Could yet edge out Hazlewood if the Perth surface shows grass.
Nathan Lyon
Sheffield Shield – 2 matches, 11 wickets at 22
Came back from his calf tear with rhythm intact. Used the breeze cleverly at Adelaide and lured Jake Doran with classic drop and dip. Fitness box ticked.
Wrap-up
So, worries? Only really Head’s numbers, and even those come with caveats. Otherwise, there is form on the board. England will arrive talking up their own plans, but Australia’s senior core look primed, and several fringe players have pressed solid claims. The first ball isn’t far away; on evidence to date, the hosts feel more settled than not, which is usually all they want heading into an Ashes summer.
