There has been a significant change in the preparation for the first Ashes match in Perth. pat cummins Was ruled out due to a recurring groin stress injury. This absence has forced Australia to rethink not only the leadership on the field but also the balance of its playing eleven.
former australian captain mark taylor How the top-order and all-rounder slots should be approached has now been considered in detail. Their suggestions reflect the recent domestic nature and realities of managing workloads in difficult Australian conditions. with England bringing out your aggression ‘Buzzball’ At the top, vision, adaptability and stability become important for Australia.
Ashes 2025-26: Mark Taylor’s preferred top six for Australia for 1st Test vs England in Perth
Taylor believed that the opening combination should include Jake Weatherald Together Usman KhawajaThere is confidence in Wetherald’s strong domestic returns and the stability the left-back has provided early on. he suggests that marnus labuschagne retained its decisive No. 3 position after Bthis steve smith And travis head To create a stable middle order core. However, the defining uncertainty revolves around Cameron Green’s ability to bowl consistently over long spells.
If Green is fully fit and able to bowl 10-15 overs, he will naturally operate as a seam-bowling all-rounder, balancing both depth of attack and length of batting. But if his workload is restricted, Taylor argues beau webster Should come with height, control and offer valuable lower order runs. Without Green’s overs, Australia risk being short of bowling options, especially on Perth’s tough running surface. Taylor’s argument emphasizes the importance of continuity, clarity of roles, and not compromising balance for the sake of sentiment or reputation.
“I don’t know about Cameron Green – that’s a big question mark. I would very much like to see Wetherald playing. I’d like to see Wetherald and Khawaja opening, Marnus at three, Smith, Head, and then you’ve got the question marks. If Cam is not bowling, I think Beau Webster deserves to be picked. If Cam is bowling and can bowl 10-15 overs, I think “That Beau will be missed and he will be missed.” “It is unfortunate to miss out.” Fox Sports quoted Taylor as saying.
Also read: Usman Khawaja picks his ideal Australia batting lineup for Ashes 2025-26
Ashes 2025-26: Taylor’s message for Sam Konstans and a lesson from Test cricket
Taylor also talked about the youth Sam KonstasUrging patience and discipline as he works towards earning a place back after his promising but inconsistent early performances. Konstas attracted attention with her bold ramp shot on debut, a moment that showed flair but later revealed technical shortcomings under pressure.
Taylor stressed that such strokes cannot be the foundation of a Test career, especially against a world-class bowling attack. He encourages Constas to return to Sheffield Shield cricket and focus on the fundamentals that originally earned him national selection, strong positioning, controlled strokeplay and situational awareness.
Comparing Labuschagne’s remarkable form turnaround, Taylor pointed to the value of repetition, mental clarity and relying on a stable method. The message is not a warning but a reassurance: at just 20, Konstas has time on his side, and Australia sees long-term potential in him. His challenge now is to hone his identity as a batsman and not chase highlight reels.
“My advice to Sam is to go back (to the Sheffield Shield) and work on how you got into the Australian team (remember) how you got there because you didn’t come in by rampaging Jasprit Bumrah at the MCG. Find what you do well, how you bat in general and do it again and again like Marnus has done in the last two months and got selected again. If he starts scoring runs again – which I think he will.” – So he’ll be re-elected. He’s only just turned 20, so he’s got plenty of time.” Taylor concluded.
Also read: AUS vs ENG: Cricket Australia announces 15-man squad for first Ashes Test
