Australia Ashes squad: Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Jake Weatherald – profiles & stats

Tests: 58; Runs: 4,435; Average: 46.19; Centuries: 11

For quite a while it felt like Labuschagne would not be part of Australia’s squad, but he forced his way back in thanks to a superb start to the domestic season.

He has hit five centuries in all formats, including three in the Sheffield Shield, where he averages 85.25 in four innings.

His role in the side may depend on the fitness of Cameron Green. If Green can bowl, Labuschagne is likely to bat at three, but he may have to open if Green plays as a specialist batter.

Labuschagne was dropped for the Test series in West Indies in July after averaging 25.84 and failing to score a century in 15 Tests.

The 31-year-old, who made his Ashes debut as Test cricket’s first concussion sub in 2019, averages 40.64 in 14 Tests against England.