2 weeks ago
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Debutant-in-waiting Jake Weatherald failed in his pre-Ashes audition as Australia’s cricketers took to Sheffield Shield action ahead of the first Test here in Perth.
The Tasmania left-hander, who is expected to be named as Usman Khawaja’s new opening partner in the XI to face England at the Optus Stadium from November 21, fell for 23 against his former state South Australia in a contest that saw two other current top-six members dismissed cheaply.
Beau Webster contributed just 13 to the hosts' 209, but then sent back Travis Head for single figures, caught behind, as South Australia closed on 88 for three in Hobart.
One positive for the Australian selectors to reflect upon from a low-scoring encounter was the performance of squad bowler Brendan Doggett.
Although the 31-year-old is acting as back-up to Scott Boland at the start of the five-match series, he continued his good form by taking five for 66 - his second five-wicket haul in as many Shield matches.
Meanwhile, as England players, including Joe Root, Mark Wood and Jofra Archer attended an optional first training session of the tour at Lilac Hill, New South Wales were made to toil by Shield leaders Victoria in Sydney.
Debutant-in-waiting Jake Weatherald failed in his pre-Ashes audition as Australia’s cricketers took to Sheffield Shield action ahead of the first Test here in Perth
The Tasmania leftie fell for 23 against his former state South Australia in a contest that saw two other current top-six members dismissed cheaply
Weatherald (pictured) had been expected to be named as Usman Khawaja’s new opening partner in the XI to face England at the Optus Stadium from November 21
Steve Smith - leading the side despite regular captain Jack Edwards playing, to fine-tune his on-field decision-making as he prepares to deputise for the injured Pat Cummins - lost the toss and, despite being able to throw the ball to four first Test squad members, saw the Victorians pile up 340 for seven.
Leicestershire captain Peter Handscomb took advantage of being dropped on nought to hit the 30th first-class hundred of his career, before being bowled by a beauty from Nathan Lyon late on the first evening.
Veteran left-armer Mitchell Starc claimed four wickets, but was also pummelled for two sixes in a vicious counter-attack by Victoria wicketkeeper Sam Harper.
Starc’s regular new-ball partner Josh Hazlewood went wicketless while Sean Abbott’s one success came from a chop-on by Fergus O’Neill, concluding a stand of 84 for the sixth wicket.
The match at the SCG also featured the second substitute in first-class cricket in Australia for reasons other than concussion, after Will Salzmann injured himself fielding.
New South Wales reacted by drafting in Ryan Hicks as axed Aussie batsman Sam Konstas’ new opening partner, leaving Victoria until the end of day two to make a tactical substitute of their own under the playing conditions of this year’s Shield.
The subs trial in Australia is running as a pilot ahead of an anticipated move by Test cricket to allow injury replacements from next year.
