Forgotten Ashes Star Set for Shock Recall to Squad With One Man in Huge Danger
The second Ashes test gets underway on December 4 in Brisbane
An Australian star could be set for a surprise return to the side following a dominant victory in the first Ashes Test in Perth.
England's attempt to regain the Ashes for the first time in a decade got off to the worst possible start, falling to an eight-wicket defeat inside two days.
For the tourists, it was the all-too-familiar sight of batting collapses that handed Australia control.
In the first innings, England lost their final five wickets in 18 balls, and in the second innings six wickets fell in six deliveries.
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England's bowling attack then struggled in the second innings, as Travis Head smashed 123 off just 83 balls for Australia.
However, there were signs of encouragement for England, particularly from their bowlers.
They fielded five pace bowlers in the first Test: Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood, Brydon Carse and Ben Stokes.
Stokes claimed a five-wicket haul, Carse took three and Archer finished with the remaining two wickets.
With so much pace in England's attack, Australia's selectors are wary that they need to have enough firepower in the batting order.
As a result, Mitchell Marsh is under consideration for a return to the team, although it remains unclear whether he will return in Brisbane.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Marsh is part of the selectors' plans for the "pointy end" of the series.
He played in the final three Tests of the previous Ashes series in 2023, hitting 118 runs off 118 balls in the match at Headingley.
He also made a crucial contribution at Old Trafford, hitting a half-century in the first innings and finishing 31 not out to help Australia secure a draw.
If Marsh returns to face England, it is expected that Usman Khawaja will make way.
Khawaja struggled with back spasms during the opening Test and batted at number four instead of his usual opening spot.
Head replaced him as opener and proved more than capable, scoring a 69-ball century.
Selection chair George Bailey has already spoken about Marsh's potential impact.
Bailey said: “He’s got a game that could provide an injection, a different look at how he might attack it.
“It’s not the path we’re going down to start the series, but what it looks like later on, we’ll see.”
Fast bowler Pat Cummins is also set to return for the second Ashes Test.
If he is deemed fit, then Brendan Doggett is most likely to make way for the Australian captain.
Cummins missed the first Test in Perth with a back injury, but has taken part in two net sessions last week.
Josh Hazlewood is also currently injured, but Australia head coach Andrew McDonald remains hopeful he will feature later in the series.
James Taylor