The build-up to the Ashes opener in Perth has taken a significant turn, with Pat Cummins ruled out due to a recurring lumbar stress injury. This absence has forced Australia to rethink not only leadership on the field but also the balance of their playing XI.
Former Australian captain Mark Taylor has now weighed in with a detailed view of how the top order and all-rounder slot should be approached. His suggestions reflect both recent domestic form and the realities of managing workloads in tough Australian conditions. With England bringing their aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach, adaptability and steadiness at the top become crucial for Australia.
Ashes 2025-26: Mark Taylor’s preferred top six for Australia for 1st Test in Perth vs England
Taylor believed that the opening combination should feature Jake Weatherald alongside Usman Khawaja, banking on Weatherald’s strong domestic return and the left-handed stability it provides early on. He suggests that Marnus Labuschagne retains his pivotal No. 3 position, followed by Steve Smith and Travis Head to form a stable middle order core. The defining uncertainty, however, revolves around Cameron Green’s ability to bowl consistently across long spells.
If Green is fully fit and capable of delivering 10-15 overs, he naturally slots in as the seam-bowling all-rounder, balancing both attack depth and batting length. But if his workload is restricted, Taylor argues Beau Webster should come in, offering height, control, and valuable lower-order runs. Without Green’s overs, Australia risks being left short of bowling options, especially on Perth’s hard-running surface. Taylor’s logic stresses continuity, clarity of roles, and the importance of not compromising balance for sentiment or reputation.
“I don’t know about Cameron Green – that’s the big question mark. I would very much like to see Weatherald play. I would like to see Weatherald and Khawaja open, Marnus at three, Smith, Head, and then you’ve got the question mark. If Cam’s not bowling, then I think Beau Webster deserves to be selected. If Cam is bowling and can bowl 10-15 overs, then I think Beau will miss out and he’d be very unlucky to miss out.” Taylor was quoted as saying by Fox Sports.
Ashes 2025-26: Taylor’s message for Sam Konstas and the lesson of test cricket
Taylor also spoke about young Sam Konstas, urging patience and discipline as he works toward re-earning a spot after his promising but inconsistent early exposure. Konstas gained attention with his bold ramp shot on debut, a moment that showcased flair but later revealed technical gaps under pressure.
Taylor emphasized that such strokes cannot form the foundation of a Test career, especially against world-class bowling attacks. He encourages Konstas to return to Sheffield Shield cricket and focus on the fundamentals that originally earned him national selection, strong positioning, controlled strokeplay, and situational awareness.
Drawing comparison to Labuschagne’s remarkable form turnaround, Taylor pointed to the value of repetition, mental clarity, and trusting a stable method. The message is not a warning but reassurance: at just 20, Konstas has time, and Australia sees long-term potential in him. His challenge now is to refine his identity as a batter, not chase highlight reels.
“My advice to Sam would be to go back (to the Sheffield Shield) and work out how you got into the Australian team (Remember) how you got there because you got there not by ramping Jasprit Bumrah at the MCG. Go back to what you do well, how you normally bat and do it over and over again just as Marnus has done over the past two months and then get picked again. If he does start making runs again – which I think he will – then he will get picked again. He’s only just turned 20, so he’s got plenty of time on his side.” Taylor concluded.
