It’s no secret that many key members of Australia’s current Test side are coming into the twilight of their careers.
With a Sri Lankan tour later this month, a World Test Championship final against a dangerous South African side on the horizon, a tour of the West Indies and a highly anticipated Ashes summer against possibly the best English touring side since 2010-11, George Bailey, Andrew McDonald and Pat Cummins have some big calls to make around selection in the coming months.
With youth in mind, here’s my XI for the first Test in Galle.
1. Sam Konstas
The young opener shone on Test debut at the MCG facing one of the best bowlers we’ve ever seen in Test cricket.
However, the 19-year-old showed some weaknesses in his game that will need to be addressed come the start of next summer.
In his first four innings as a Test cricketer Konstas was beaten on the inside edge twice, once to be out LBW against Ravindra Jadeja and the second being cleaned up by Jasprit Bumrah, and in his most recent hit he was out playing an attempted slog over cow corner.
The New South Welshman will need to sure up his defensive technique if he’s to succeed on the subcontinent.
Sam Konstas takes a swing at the SCG. (Photo by Morgan Hancock – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
2. Usman Khawaja
Having been Australia’s leading run-scorer in their most recent tour to India, Khawaja retains his spot at the top of the order, but only just.
The veteran’s spot has been under scrutiny for some time now, and I’m of the opinion he should have taken the opportunity to retire at the SCG after the series win over India, but he deserves one last chance to prove himself on what will likely be a flat first Test wicket.
3. Travis Head
Many would have shifted Head further up the order than this, but with Khawaja’s previous Asian form the vice-captain only makes his way up to first drop.
The South Australian historically doesn’t start well against spin so a shift up the order will do him well to capitalise on pace early in the innings.
4. Steve Smith
No questions here.
Smith showed flashes of being near back to his dominant best over the summer and has been Australia’s best batter in almost every subcontinental series he’s played in.
He’ll need to balance his batting with captaincy, but he’s shown in the past this is no issue for a great of the game like himself.
5. Marnus Labuschagne
It may initially seem strange to swap three and five in the order, but Head’s ability against pace and Marnus’ solid technique against a turning ball make this swap more viable.
Marnus is in this position to provide some stability to the batting order.
If the first three Aussie batters aren’t able to get their side off to a strong start, Labuschagne has the technique and ability to steady the ship at five, just like he did in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
6. Beau Webster
Webster showed Aussie selectors what they’d been missing out on during his Test debut at the SCG.
He proved he could mix it with the big boys with the bat at Test level and provide some very handy medium pacers when called upon.
I was very tempted to pick Cooper Connolly in this position, but I think his debut will come in the second Test.
7. Alex Carey
Another no-brainer.
Despite a lean run with the bat against India, Carey’s ability with the gloves has him head and shoulders above Josh Inglis.
Expect him to play a huge part during this series.
8. Mitchell Starc
There aren’t many other bowlers you’d want in your side to bowl on flat pitches than Mitchell Starc.
His raw pace is always a huge asset to his game and may prove useful with late-order runs.
9. Matthew Kuhnemann
Todd Murphy has the makings of Australia’s next long-term spin option.
However, with Nathan Lyon still around, his right-arm off spinners don’t provide the variation Kuhnemann’s left-armers do.
Playing in his first season for Tasmania, Kuhnemann has taken 18 wickets in six matches so far in the Sheffield Shield and took nine wickets in his only three Tests to date in India.
He will provide good variation when the wicket starts turning.
10. Nathan Lyon
Another one who picks himself.
The GOAT will enjoy finally getting to play in conditions conducive to spin after not being provided with much assistance over the Australian summer.
11. Scott Boland
The first Test wicket is likely to be flat as both Tests are being played in Galle, and Boland is a master at getting wickets when there’s not much happening off the deck.
Come the second Test I can see one of Boland or Starc making way for Murphy, but for now the Victorian deserves to back up his amazing summer with a start in Sri Lanka.
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