Calls are growing for all-rounder Cameron Green to be dropped as Australia face up to four selection issues in their top seven after crashing to their first home Ashes loss in 15 years.
New opener Jake Weatherald, No.3 Marnus Labuschagne and Green were placed in the gun after their double failures at the MCG.
Veteran Usman Khawaja, who batted at No.5 in the Boxing Day Test, could retire after the end of this series after recently turning 39.
Weatherald and Labuschagne appear certainties to make it to the fifth and final Test at the SCG, starting on January 4.
But Green’s spot is under major threat after averaging just 18.66 with the bat this series.
After returning from injury for the World Test Championship final in June batting at No.3, the 26-year-old has gradually slid back down the order.
Calls are growing for Cameron Green (pictured) to be dropped from the Aussie side after his poor play in the Ashes series so far
Green (pictured during the Boxing Day Test) has repeatedly failed with the bat and was blasted by fans and a former Aussie cricket star for his efforts at the MCG
Fans are calling for the Aussies’ other all-rounder, Beau Webster (pictured), to take Green’s spot for the fifth Test at the SCG
Green has kept fellow all-rounder Beau Webster, who performed strongly in seven Tests this year, out of the team this summer.
Cricket fans lashed out online after Green’s latest failures at the MCG.
‘They should have a Classic Catches-style phone-in vote for Cameron Green’s worst dismissal of the summer,’ one wrote.
‘A “generational talent” who averages less than the busted flush Ollie Pope? Of course he’ll get another chance. He’s really tall,’ commented another.
‘Series wrapped up. Should’ve been dropped for Boxing Day Test too. Webster needs to get a game,’ wrote a third.
‘Way too many chances. Overrated and time for Webster to come back in the side,’ another said.
Green was also blasted by former Test star turned Channel Seven commentator Simon Katich over his dismissal in the second innings, which saw him caught out while charging the bowler.
‘It’s just premeditated batting,’ Katich said.
Marnus Labuschagne is pictured after losing his wicket at the MCG on Saturday. He’s also under pressure to keep his place in the team
Pictured: England skipper Ben Stokes celebrates his team’s win on Saturday
‘You’re making a decision before you even know what length the ball is being bowled.
‘So it’s just predetermined rubbish. Watch the ball and play it instinctively off the track.’
Labuschagne ends a difficult 2025 after making just 271 runs at an average 20.84 from eight Tests.
The 31-year-old was dropped for the tour of the West Indies, but recalled for the Ashes on the back of strong Sheffield Shield form.
His superb catching has been a feature of the summer, but his returns with the bat have again not been up to scratch.
Labuschagne will need to make runs in Sydney to avoid his spot becoming available for Australia’s next Test series.
Weatherald, who debuted in Perth when replacing Sam Konstas, could be on his final chance at the SCG.
After impressing with 72 in Brisbane, the attacking left-hander has otherwise not performed with an average of just 20.85.
Weatherald, who came in at No.3 in Australia’s second innings due to Scott Boland opening as a nightwatchman, left a ball from England captain Ben Stokes that cannoned into the stumps.
When asked about Labuschagne and Green, stand-in Australia captain Steve Smith described batting as ‘not easy’.
‘Marn got dropped, went back to Shield cricket and demanded selection, with a mountain of runs,’ Smith said.
‘He probably hasn’t had the output that he’s wanted in the last couple.
‘He played some really nice innings in the first two Tests.
‘Greeny’s had a few nice starts as well, just hasn’t been able to go on with it and get the results he’s been after.
‘But he’s a quality player, he’s done it against some good oppositions in the past, and hopefully he can turn it around.’
After running himself out on day one, Green again threw his wicket away in the second innings.
The 26-year-old tried to guide a Stokes ball away into the off-side, but was caught at second slip in a soft way to get out.
Australia have relied heavily on Travis Head for runs during this series, with wicketkeeper Alex Carey starring in both innings in Adelaide.
