Nine’s Wide World of Sports
Former Australian Test captain Tim Paine believes both Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster will feature for the Aussies in the Ashes.
Weatherald is among those fighting for a position in the top order and has made 236 runs at an average of 59 across four Sheffield Shield innings so far.
Webster meanwhile has played seven Tests since debuting in this year's Sydney Test against India.
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Beau Webster in Sri Lanka. AP
With no certainty around the batting line-up, and question marks over whether Cam Green will bowl given his injury niggles, Paine sees a role for both Tasmanians over the summer.
"Obviously both are right in the frame, so it's great for Tassie cricket. What I think, without saying too much, is I dare say both will play a role for Australia at some stage in the Ashes," Paine told SEN.
"I think Cameron Green's bowling may be there, it may not be, if it's not then I think Beau is an absolute certainty.
"If Green is bowling, then maybe they go with a Jake Weatherald at the top instead of Beau at six and shuffle the order a little bit.
"I think that's exciting for Tassie cricket. It's been a long while since we had two players in the Test team and both those guys deserve their opportunity."
Paine also put in a good word for another Tasmanian in Riley Meredith, who he sees as a potential Ashes squad bolter, given Pat Cummins' injury and the likes of Jhye Richardson and Brendan Doggett remaining sidelined.
Riley Meredith of Tasmania Getty
"One other thing I haven't heard much of … with the bowling injuries we do have, I haven't heard Riley Meredith's name mentioned a hell of a lot," Paine said.
"I saw during the week he bowled 40-odd overs, took six wickets and bowled quickly in those 40 overs.
"If you're looking for someone with air speed late in the Ashes to make an impact, I wouldn't be ruling out Meredith either.
"It sounds like his body is up and going. It's been a long time since he bowled 40 overs in a Shield game, so clearly he's ready to go. He was bowling as quickly at the end as he was on day two, that's a great sign for where he's at.
"It's been spoken about a lot this Ashes about how important air speed is going to be and Meredith is one of the guys around the country who can generate high 140s and do it for a long period."
Paine took on coaching duties for an Australia A expedition to India, where the two teams played a four-day match.
Sam Konstas walks off the WACA. Getty
Sam Konstas was the star of that show, making an unbeaten 101.
Paine spoke glowingly of the youngster who remains on the cusp of Ashes selection.
"He's a star. He played beautifully (in India), obviously conditions a little bit different to in Australia, but he got a high quality hundred," the Adelaide Strikers coach said.
"We played against an India A side who had seven guys who played the next Test match against the West Indies.
"He's super exciting, highly talented, got a bit of aura about him. He's just turned 20, but he's an absolute gun player.
"He's still figuring out his way in life, let alone cricket. Hate to think what he's going to be a 23, but it's going to be great to be along for the journey."
Konstas is the incumbent Test opener alongside Usman Khawaja, but will battle with the likes of Weatherald, Matt Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne for spots at the top of the order this summer.
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The Ashes bolter 'ready to go' as Tim Paine backs Beau Webster and Jake Weatherald to make impact – wwos.nine.com.au
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