Australia to name Ashes squad for Perth after Shield third round

Australia's selectors will name their squad for the first Ashes Test in Perth after the third round of the Sheffield Shield, with decisions now hinging on form, fitness and the views of the playing group as the series opener on November 21 approaches. Selection chair George Bailey, head coach Andrew McDonald and selector Tony Dodemaide have spent recent weeks weighing competing options for the top order, the middle order bowling balance and the availability of allrounders, with several places effectively undecided heading into the final pre-Ashes Shield fixtures.

The most immediate selection question centres on who will open with Usman Khawaja. Young left-hander Sam Konstas, who made his Test debut last year, was bowled for 10 at the Gabba and has scored 81 runs in five Shield innings this season, averaging 16.2. That run of scores, and a sequence of low returns at state level, has intensified doubts about his readiness for the Ashes. Former Australia captain Allan Border said he had "not seen it yet" from Konstas, while McDonald reiterated that no decision had been made on the opening pair.

Matt Renshaw and Tasmania's Jake Weatherald remain in contention. Khawaja publicly...