Australian selectors have shocked the nation with their picks

AUSTRALIA’S cricket selectors have pulled a left field pick while dumping three stars ahead of the first Ashes Test in Brisbane.

Shaun Marsh is a shock inclusion for the first test.

AUSTRALIA’S selectors have left the nation stunned with their selections for the opening Test in the upcoming Ashes series.

Per reports, the selectors have decided to give Cameron Bancroft his first Test cap. A feat he has thoroughly earned and one that will see him open the batting for the Aussies after a blistering performance in the final Sheffield Shield game.

While most people would agreed with that selection, it is the choice of wicketkeeper that has left many scratching their heads.

Incumbent Matthew Wade and Peter Nevill appeared to be the two frontrunners, but the selectors have plucked 32-year old Tim Paine out of left field as their choice for the man behind the stumps.

Paine hasn’t donned the gloves in a Test for Australia since 2010 and hasn’t even been the keeper for his state side of Tasmania.

He did however score an unbeaten 71 for Tasmania against Victoria on Wednesday and last week he notched an impressive 52 against England in a tour match at Adelaide Oval.

The shocks didn’t end there unfortunately, with Matthew Renshaw expected to get the chop after being unable to post any major scores of late.

Renshaw was only able to score a total of 70 runs over his last six innings and the axing will be a huge confidence blow for the 21-year-old.

Who saw this coming ...?

While the battle for the gloves was an intriguing contest, the fight for the number six spot has left many salivating at who would earn the role.

And it seems as though the selectors are leaning towards West Australian 34-year-old, Shaun Marsh — apparently favouring a specialist batsmen over an all-rounder. While the shock is not as drastic as the selection of Paine, it ranks only marginally lower on the shock scale.

Picking Marsh, a much-maligned figure whose career highlights had come on foreign soil, would prove incredibly polarising but it was an option given due consideration by a panel wanting to beef up the batting depth.

The recent form, described as career-best by state coach Justin Langer, includes a knock of 91 against the Test attack in Sydney.

Likely squad for the opening Test: David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird.

It’s fair to say that the reaction of Australian cricket fans on social media has been one of complete and utter shock.

Australia 🇦🇺 are trying their best to make the #Ashes even.

— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) November 16, 2017

Shaun Marsh?!?!? #Ashes https://t.co/ijm0yCcvKf

— Greg Davis (@GregDavis_cmail) November 16, 2017

Tim Paine tipped as Ashes wicketkeeper? Hasn't made a first-class hundred since 2006. Has kept wicket in 3 Shield games in past 2 years. Extraordinary. https://t.co/iuTRZvi7FA

— Brydon Coverdale (@brydoncoverdale) November 16, 2017

The #Ashes selection story has more twists and turns than Agatha Christie's best

— Nina Stevens (@NinaBStevens) November 16, 2017

Dear oh dear @pmnevill was in a few days ago, reckon Renshaw gone as well ? #Ashes https://t.co/YaNLm6vPm5

— Jim Wilson (@JimWilsonTV) November 16, 2017

Making return to club cricket on Saturday. Available for selection in the Second Ashes Test.

— Adam White (@White_Adam) November 16, 2017

The team will be officially announced tomorrow ahead of the first Test getting underway in Brisbane next Thursday.

— with AAP