Jake Weatherald earns maiden call-up as Australia name squad for Ashes opener
Jake Weatherald has received his maiden international call-up as Australia named a 15-man squad for the first Ashes Test against England, starting on 21 November in Perth.
Marnus Labuschagne ahead of Ashes: 'Wherever there's a spot for me I'll take it'
Labuschagne is the favourite to be selected to open the batting at the start of series against England, a spot above his usual number three position.
The 31-year-old was from Australia's Test line-up for the tour to West Indies earlier this year, but has had a good start to the domestic matches to put himself in the frame for selection.
When asked about opening the batting in the Ashes, Labuschagne said: "I'd say 'great'. It honestly doesn't concern me, I just want to be playing cricket at my best.
"This year I've been in in the first few overs a few times. You're used to it batting No. 3, and I've batted there probably 95 per cent of my career in both formats.
"So I'm very used to being in early. If I have to open, great. If I bat three, great. Wherever there's a spot for me I'll take it and we'll go from there."
He added that small changes to his grip and stance has elevated his game that has seen him his four centuries at the start of the Australian summer for Queensland.
"Mentally I'm a lot clearer on my game and not getting too much deep thought into certain dismissals or methods," Labuschagne said.
"It's not the actual training in the nets, I absolutely love that, I can do that all day.
"But at times I feel like my technique gets in a space where I go home and I'm like 'maybe I want to do this or maybe I want to go and try that'.
"Now I'm trying to stay out of my own way really and go out there and trust my skills when I get to the middle."
Josh Hazlewood rips through India top-order as Australia go ahead in T20I series
Josh Hazlewood starred with the ball as Australia beat India by four wickets at the MCG to go 1-0 ahead in the T20I series.
Rain has final say in first T20I between Australia and India
The first T20I between Australia and India was abandoned due to rain after only 9.4 overs were bowled in the first innings in Canberra.
Australia captain Pat Cummins officially ruled out of first Ashes Test
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test against England as the fast bowler has "run out of time" to prove his fitness.