Former Australia opener Chris Rogers has backed Jake Weatherald to make his debut in the first Ashes Test but admits the uncertainty around the hosts' top order is a "concern". Australia named their 15-man squad for the first Test against England on Wednesday with Tasmania opener Weatherald, 31, given a first call-up.

Pat Cummins targeting return in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane after a back injury sidelined him for the Perth opener; Australia captain has resumed bowling in recovery and is determined to play as

Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon have launched a defence of Australia's selectors, rejecting Steve Waugh's concerns over the looming transition of the Test side. Waugh made headlines on Wednesday when he suggested selectors " (haven't) really had the appetite" to make tough calls with an aging side.

Weatherald has reached Australia's squad with a first-class record of 5,269 runs at an average of 37.63, including 13 centuries and a highest score of 198. And he puts a lot of focus on mental wellbeing and having the right mindset.

Though he expects to be bowling full tilt by the first Test, a decision on Australia skipper Pat Cummins' return will be taken closer to the second Ashes Test against England, starting December 4

Pat Cummins remains on tack to return for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, but has conceded playing through the rest of the series unchanged could be difficult. Cummins has progressed to bowling off a three-quarter run up as he plots a meticulous return from a back injury that has sidelined the Test captain since July.

Beau Webster believes he is "playing the best cricket" of his life but concedes it may not be enough to keep him in the Test team if Cameron Green returns to playing as a fully-fledged allrounder in time for next month's Ashes opener.