Josh Inglis and Mitchell Marsh in frame for shock Ashes opening role after first Test disaster

Australian selectors face a crucial decision as two surprise opening contenders emerged following one of the team’s most embarrassing displays with the bat in years.

As Australia’s top order looked completely rattled by England’s short-pitched, fast bowling assault, Josh Inglis opened the batting for a Cricket Australia XI on the other side of Perth.

Inglis finished day one of the red-ball match against the England Lions at Lilac Hill unbeaten on 40 runs off just 37 balls, including six fours and a six in an intriguing sidenote to Australia’s abject collapse at Perth Stadium.

It adds to the theory that Australian selectors may seriously consider a bold plan to inject Inglis or Mitchell Marsh as shock opening options as this Ashes series rolls on.

Meanwhile, star Shield openers Matt Renshaw and Campbell Kellaway are expected to be picked as openers for Australia A against England Lions in tour match that overlaps with the second Test.

Selectors have made no secret in flagging their interest in the two white ball top order stars as being capable of pinch hitting as attack dog openers against England’s high-voltage pace attack.

Opener Jake Weatherald had a tough debut, last just two deliveries before being dismissed for a duck. Picture: Getty

Inglis is a very inventive batsman who will not let the scoreboard stay still, while Australia believe Marsh in particular is one of the best players of fast and short-pitched bowling in the country.

Marsh has been in superb white ball form at the top of the order for Australia this summer and is slated to play – not in the Sheffield Shield match starting on Saturday – but in round six of the Shield for Western Australia, which also coincides with the second Test at the Gabba.

Australia has repeatedly confirmed their interest in Marsh as a potential Ashes x-factor if they felt England’s quicks were getting on top of their openers in the first Test or two.

There was certainly evidence of that happening on day one in Perth.

CricViz revealed Australia faced 66 per cent of their deliveries against England’s five-pronged pace attack on the back foot on Friday – their most in an innings since such data was first collected back in 2006.

Australia’s batsmen did not look comfortable facing such rapid pace, particularly against the short ball which England utilised extensively.

Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green were both hit in the helmet by brutal bouncers, while Usman Khawaja couldn’t control a vicious short ball from Brydon Carse which took the handle of his bat and went through to the wicketkeeper.

Mark Wood bouncer to Cam Green

In short, Australia knew the tactics England were going to come with and weren’t able to handle it.

Carse came at Australia with genuine aggression and was involved in a verbal altercation with Labuschagne just two balls after having an appeal for caught behind turned down by the third umpire.

The two South African-born Ashes combatants had an animated exchange, which Carse played down after play.

“I wouldn’t say I intentionally (went after a confrontation). I don’t think there was even much said between us,” Carse said.

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc said his team would learn lessons from their batting display but said credit had to go to England for outstanding bowling.

“I think both teams bowled really well,” Starc said.

Originally published as Josh Inglis and Mitchell Marsh in frame for shock Ashes opening role after first Test disaster