Australia’s best XI for the first Ashes Test? Gideon Haigh says Steve Smith at No. 3

Saurav Goyal

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Australia’s best XI for the first Ashes Test? Gideon Haigh says Steve Smith at No. 3 image

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The countdown to the Ashes 2025-26 has begun and selection debates are already heating up.

Gideon Haigh has shared his thoughts on what Australia’s ideal playing XI could look like for the opening Test against England.

Among his key suggestions- Steve Smith should return to the No. 3 slot, while Marnus Labuschagne partners Usman Khawaja at the top.

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With the first Test scheduled to start on November 21, followed by a packed calendar through December, Australia’s combinations will be under the spotlight. With questions over Pat Cummins’ fitness, a few selection calls could shape how they begin this campaign.

What is Gideon Haigh’s preferred batting order for the Ashes opener?

According to Haigh, Khawaja remains the clear choice to open, given his experience in home conditions.

But instead of the usual pairing, Haigh believes Labuschagne should move up to join him, freeing up Smith to return to No. 3 position.

"Well, it looks like Khawaja is inked in. I think probably Labuschagne should be his partner because I do like Smith at number three," Haigh said during a recent discussion.

He reasoned that all-rounder Cameron Green cannot balance both batting at No. 3 and bowling long spells, suggesting that Green fits better at No. 4, followed by Travis Head at No. 5.

"I don't think that Green can conceivably bowl overs and bat at three, he is more naturally a number four. Head can’t realistically bat above five," he added.

Haigh also highlighted the importance of all-rounder Beau Webster, noting that Australia may need his overs through the long summer. "I think they will need Webster’s overs this summer. So that would be my order, subject to change," he concluded.

Based on Haigh’s comments, Australia’s top six could read:

1. Usman Khawaja
2. Marnus Labuschagne
3. Steve Smith
4. Cameron Green
5. Travis Head
6. Beau Webster

MORE: 'Joe Root will have nightmares in Australia' - David Warner doubles down on dig at England batter ahead of Ashes 2025

Who completes Australia’s likely playing XI for the Ashes?

The remaining slots almost pick themselves. Alex Carey is expected to continue as the wicketkeeper.

The bowling attack features a familiar trio- Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and captain Pat Cummins, provided he’s fit. Nathan Lyon takes his spot as the frontline spinner.

That gives a probable XI of: Khawaja, Labuschagne, Smith, Green, Head, Webster, Carey, Starc, Cummins (c), Hazlewood, Lyon.

However, there’s still uncertainty around Cummins’ availability. If he misses out on the first Test, Scott Boland could come in, with Starc and Hazlewood likely leading the pace attack. 

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Saurav Goyal

Saurav Goyal is a Content Producer at the Sporting News with over two years of experience in covering cricket. An avid cricket fan for more than two decades, his passion for the game led him to writing. Since then, he’s been delivering the latest news and engaging content to keep cricket fans informed and entertained.