Despite being 2-0 up in the Ashes, Australia have a few selection questions they need to answer heading into the third Test at Adelaide.
In whose place does Khawaja return? Or does he?
Usman Khawaja has returned to fitness after missing the second Test in Brisbane. Josh Inglis played in his place at the Gabba, at No.7. While there's a potential straight swap to be made, it wouldn't be the easiest call. Several considerations have to be made. First, does Khawaja warrant a spot in the XI to begin with?
The left-hander has averaged 30.27 since the start of 2024, despite having hit a double hundred in Sri Lanka during this period. Calls for easing him out of the Test setup grew after the first Test in Perth, where he wasn't able to open in either innings due to back spasms. Australia didn't particularly feel his absence either in Brisbane.
There's also the question of where he slots back in if they do pick him - which forms the crux of the second selection question. Jake Weatherald put a poor debut behind him to score a brisk half-century in Brisbane and Travis Head's accidental move to the top has worked wonders, leaving Inglis the most susceptible to be left out for Khawaja for now.
Does Head continue to open?
Travis Head broke the game while coming out as a makeshift opener during Australia's run-chase in Perth. After Khawaja was ruled out for Brisbane, Australia persisted with Head at the top, and he gave them two more starts (33 and 22). The big question for Australia now, would be whether to stick with Head at the top or shift him back down to his original No.5 spot.
On one hand, Australia wouldn't want to tinker with what's working, especially with a chance to seal the series. On the other, batting against the older ball gives Head the ideal chance to be at his destructive best - at least theoretically.
While persisting with Head at the top would be an enticing option, it would also mean Khawaja - if he is back - would have to bat out of position at five. Contrarily, Khawaja slotting in at the top would settle things nicely for Australia in terms of batting order, with all players batting at their usual spots.
Who sits out for Cummins?
Pat Cummins is set to return in Adelaide as well after missing the first two Tests. Who makes way for him?
In Brisbane, Australia went in with four specialist seamers, bringing back Michael Neser to partner Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Brendan Doggett. Neser took a five-wicket haul in the second innings, while Doggett has chipped away in his debut series, picking up seven wickets at 30.71 in two games, making it a difficult choice. Theoretically at least, Doggett is also ahead of Neser in the pecking order, having been picked to replace Cummins in the series opener.
That said, given Neser's experience and the high of Brisbane, he might just make the cut ahead of Doggett. Though as we will see, there's a good chance both might have to sit out.
Is there room for Lyon?
At Brisbane, Nathan Lyon was "filthy" after being dropped in favour of an all-seam attack. There was, however, merit in the call, considering it was a pink-ball Test where ultimately less than 12 overs of spin were bowled. He is expected be back for the Adelaide Test though.
Apart from being Lyon's home ground, the Adelaide Oval has also been the most spin-friendly of Australia's Test venues this decade - spinners have averaged 29.59 in five matches. Lyon and Cummins both returning would almost certainly mean the axe falls on both Neser and Doggett.
One can only imagine though, what Lyon's reaction would be if Australia were to not pick him at Adelaide either.
Does Webster have a shot?
Another option Australia could consider is bringing in all-rounder Beau Webster. He hasn't played in this series so far, but could potentially replace Inglis at No.7, providing Australia with a sixth bowling option.
The argument in his favour is that with Lyon expected to be back, Australia would be down to three frontline seamers, one of whom would be potentially undercooked Cummins. Having both Webster and Green in the lineup could provide the kind of seam-bowling cushion that makes Australia breathe easy, without compromising on batting depth.
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