The Ashes opener race examined: Code Sports experts reveal their verdict on who will partner Usman Khawaja

Have Jake Weatherald or Matt Renshaw done enough to play in the first Ashes Test? Our experts reveal their verdict on who will join Usman Khawaja in the top order in Perth.

Jake Weatherald has been backed to make his Test debut in Perth should Australia’s selectors opt for a traditional opener.

Marnus Labuschagne was a clear winner in CODE Sports’ Ashes bat off, voted at No. 1 by each of our experts after scoring four centuries already this season for Queensland.

But it remains to be seen whether Labuschagne will open, as he did in the World Test Championship final, or bat in his preferred slot at No.3.

In that scenario, our experts think last year’s Sheffield Shield run scorer Weatherald will get the nod ahead of Matt Renshaw, who has been touted for a Test return by several past greats and even Khawaja.

Only one person had Mitch Marsh in the side for Perth after this masthead revealed there had been a late push for the ODI and T20 captain to open at some point during the Ashes.

Marnus Labuschagne has locked in his spot with four hundreds.

1. MARNUS LABUSCHAGNE

Arguably had the least to do given his career record but ended up outshining allcomers anyway. Four centuries in domestic cricket — including two in the Shield — leave him primed to return with a vengeance.

Jake Weatherald is at the front of the queue if selectors go for a traditional opener.

2. JAKE WEATHERALD

Didn’t blow the audition but didn’t quite nail it either. The Tasmanian left-hander got an early reprieve from Usman Khawaja and made three half-centuries but missed out at Junction Oval

Being recalled to the one-day side put Matt Renshaw back in the mix.

3. MATT RENSHAW

The Queenslander started a fair way back but a century in round one and 50-over call-up brought him back into the national conversation. However he missed out against NSW and has not banged down the door.

Mitch Marsh after scoring an Ashes ton in Perth in 2017.

4. MITCH MARSH

The wildcard in the pack, Marsh has been raised several times by selectors as a mid-Ashes option should things go awry. Has had a strong year in white-ball cricket but Test matches are different gravy.

Sam Konstas is set to lose his spot at the top of the order.

5. SAM KONSTAS

The youngster entered the Shield season on the back of runs for Australia A but he looked muddled across the early rounds. Set to lose his spot after just one half-century and some ugly dismissals.

Marcus Harris after his century against Tasmania batting at No.6.

6. MARCUS HARRIS

Bumped to No. 3 for Victoria and started brightly before being run out against South Australia. But he lefty faded, and though he eventually got a ton against Tasmania from No. 6 it is likely too little, too late.

Originally published as The Ashes opener race examined: Code Sports experts reveal their verdict on who will partner Usman Khawaja