All eyes remain on Queensland’s top order this week, as two key Australian batters share varying levels of success against the reigning domestic champions amid their Ashes preparation.
And in Victoria, Scott Boland’s understudy has taken another five-wicket haul to seriously push his case as next-in-line for the first Test against England in Perth next month.
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BIG AUSSIE ASHES QUESTIONS ALREADY ANSWERED?
Australian top-order mainstay Marnus Labuschagne has continued his incredible start to the Australian domestic season, passing 50 on Day 2 of Queensland’s Sheffield Shield match with South Australia.
The 31-year-old has already banked three centuries in his first four outings this spring, including two 50-over tons that have almost certainly cemented his spot for the First Ashes Test in Perth next month.
Labuschagne was positive from the outset against the reigning Shield champions at Adelaide Oval, hitting seven boundaries before bringing up his half-century.
Batting alongside him for the majority of his start was Usman Khawaja, who looked composed for his 46 (73) before getting trapped on the crease and edging through to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
Of the three top order spots up for grabs currently in Australia’s line-up, it would already now be a shock if Khawaja and Labuschagne didn’t front up against England on November 21 at Optus Stadium.
The former hit 69 against Tasmania in his first hit-out for the domestic summer, however questions over his output against the Poms loom more around his ability to face the express pace of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood at over 150km/h.
At lunch on Day 2, Queensland were 2/119 with Labushcagne (55 not out) and Jack Clayton (4*) at the crease. South Australia were bowled out for 228 on Day 1, with Ashes hopeful Michael Neser and leg-spinner Mitch Swepson taking fours wickets apiece.
ASHES DARK HORSE FIRES WITH ANOTHER FIVE-FA
Uncapped Australian seamer Fergus O’Neill has fired yet another reminder the way of Australian selectors, claiming his eighth five-wicket haul at domestic level.
The 24-year-old ran through New South Wales’ batting line up in the first session of Day 2 at the Junction Oval, and now has him seriously poised to be Australia’s next quick in line for an Ashes call-up with Pat Cummins’ ongoing back injury.
Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and fellow Victorian Scott Boland are all but locked in as Australia’s fast bowling cartel for the firsTest against England, however should another quick go down with injury between now and later next month, the pecking order is less clear.
Queensland’s Michael Neser did his chances of being 12th man for the Test no harm with four wickets yesterday at Adelaide Oval, while NSW’s Sean Abbott is now under an injury cloud after becoming the Sheffield Shield’s first-ever injury substitute on Wednesday.
At the start of the second session on Day 2 in St Kilda, NSW were 8/162 with Boland claiming the other three wickets alongside O’Neill’s 5/26 off 16 overs.
Victoria were bowled out for 240 on Day 1, spearheaded by Peter Handscomb’s 85. Ashes hopeful Marcus Harris failed to fire, caught behind on the drive for just four.
