The cricket squad's top order selection is under discussion as players like Mitchell Marsh and Jake Weatherald compete for key positions ahead of the upcoming Test series.

Brisbane

Australian cricketer Manus Labuschagne, after scoring five centuries for Queensland this season, has expressed confidence and flexibility regarding his batting position in the national team. The final line-up for Australia's top order remains uncertain, hinging on Cam Green's bowling fitness and ongoing debates about the best opening pair, with former England captain Michael Vaughan preferring Mitchell Marsh over Jake Wetherald to open with Usman Khawaja.

Jake Wetherald, unfazed by the discussion, emphasizes the importance of maintaining form among Australian players. Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh has been praised for his recent performances in shorter formats, and England's Mark Wood is preparing for a comeback using visualisation and acclimatisation techniques. The first test is set to begin in two weeks, with preparations underway in both warm and simulated cold conditions.

Top order spots up for grabs in Test squad

Toast of Australian cricket after five tons for Queensland this season, Manus Labashein isn't phased about Australia's top order. As I've said before, it doesn't matter where I bat, that's the least of my problems, wherever I bat I'll enjoy the challenge and I can't wait for the opportunity. The line-up hinges on Cam Green's bowling fitness, but ex-England captain Michael Vaughan wouldn't have chosen Jake Wetherald to open with Kawaja. I personally would have gone with Mitchell Marsh at the top of the order, also he's a right-hander. You know, Joffre Archer against two left-handers at the top of the order, I think he'd be quite happy to see that. Jake Wetherald is nonchalant. I think everyone that's getting a game for Australia is making the runs and actually putting the scores on the board and it's just about someone maintaining that form in the Australian colours. Mark Taylor knows the 31-year-olds had quite the journey. He had eight or nine years for South Australia, did well at times and then didn't play, went to Tassie, played two Shield games in one season and then the following season he makes 900 runs. Marsh has been on fire in the shorter game. For a couple of months now he's been Australia's best player. I know it's a different format but his stillness at the crease has been very, very good. His innings that he played in 2023 at Heddenley against 95 miles an hour of Mark Wood was exceptional. Wood is trying to get back to that, visualisation playing a massive part. Running on the treadmill at home and stuff, you're visualising more the stadium and the running of where my run up would be and using the experience of playing here before just visualising what that would look like. He's also been acclimatising in a tent. We try to pump some heaters in the tent and of course when it's raining and damp in England and cold you jump in the tent and try to mimic the conditions a little bit here. Two weeks before the first test and for now it's only warm and sunny in the west. Chloe Amanda Bailey, 10 News.

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