Australian World Test Championship final squad: Cameron Green recalled, Sam Konstas named

Australia could field four different opening combinations in five Tests as part of a bold philosophy which challenges more than a century of Test match tradition. See the squad here.

Australia could field four different opening combinations in five Tests as part of a bold philosophy which challenges more than a century of Test match tradition.

Despite chairman of selectors George Bailey conceding Sam Konstas was “not the finished product’’ the youngster remains in contention for an immediate Test recall with Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Inglis also options.

Australia has named a 16-man touring squad for the World Test Championship against South Africa at Lord’s next month and the Test tour of the West Indies which follows it and there are more team changes ahead.

Bailey said Australia’s opening partner for Usman Khawaja against South Africa had not been settled upon and there is a chance whoever it is could be replaced when conditions change and become easier in the Test series against the West Indies.

Nathan McSweeny, Sam Konstas and Travis Head (in Sri Lanka) have flowed through the opening role in the last seven Tests and Bailey said Labuschgne and Test century-maker Inglis are live options with Konstas for the next two assignments.

“I think it is a role that more people could do than we give credit to,’’ Bailey said.

“I know there is a prevailing thought it is a specialised role but in certain conditions other guys could do it.

“We have been very strong on trying to delineate between the World Test Championship final and separate the West Indies tour which will be slightly different.

“I think Marnus could open the batting but we have a number of guys who could open the batting but that does not mean they will. I am not trying to be cryptic as if we are sitting on the 11 and we won’t announce it ... there is quite a bit to work through.’’

Usman Khawaja could roll with an number of opening partners this year. Picture: AFP

Enigmatic youngster Konstas looks likely to open against England next Australian summer but it appears the selectors have not settled upon his return date to the Test team.

“I think it is pretty clear he is not the finished product,’’ Bailey said.

“He is on a journey. He is a highly talented player. The things we like he is a quick learner. He has shown an amazing ability to adapt and change the way he plays.’’

Cameron Green has returned to the squad after back surgery but cannot bowl until later in the year so he is not an automatic selection for Lord’s.

Cameron Green has been named in the WTC team. Picture: Marty MELVILLE / AFP

Bailey hinted Australia would wait until they got to India to see how his fast bowlers had emerged from the Indian Premier League before deciding whether they needed the support of allrounder Beau Webster, so impressive against India last summer.

Matt Kuhnemann has unseated Todd Murphy as Australia’s No 2 spinner behind Nathan Lyon and can expect a Test recall in the West Indies though he will miss out at Lord’s.

“Matt was really impressive in Sri Lanka and particularly in the West Indies where you can get some really strong spinning conditions that may be conducive to playing two spinners ... having them spinning both ways can be nice to have.’’

Fast bowler Brendan Doggett has been chosen as a travelling reserve after a rousing performance for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield final.

Originally published as Australian World Test Championship final squad: Cameron Green recalled, Sam Konstas named