Four set to make debut

Langer looks at options for first Test

CRICKET: Marnus Labuschagne could he handed a shock baggy green as Australia eye the possibility of fielding four Test debutants for the first time in 40 years, in the first Test against Pakistan.

South African-born Labuschagne is being considered for an unlikely debut in Dubai on Sunday, with coach Justin Langer assessing the match fitness of opener Matthew Renshaw and his bowling stocks in Australia’s first Test since March’s disastrous South Africa tour.

Queensland quick Michael Neser is also closing in on a debut in a battle with veteran Peter Siddle, while Aaron Finch and Travis Head have been guaranteed their spots in the starting XI.

If all four play in the first of two Tests against Pakistan, it would represent the biggest changing of the guard in Australian Test history since Rick Darling, Graeme Wood, Bruce Yardley and Ian Callen debuted against India in 1978.

Renshaw was struck in the head while fielding in Australia’s drawn four-day tour match against Pakistan A.

He was substituted out of the game and replaced by Labuschagne, who scored an unbeaten 39. The 24-year-old was the second-highest run scorer in last summer’s Sheffield Shield – behind Renshaw.

The sickening head blow came after Renshaw suffered a hamstring injury in the Australia A tour of India last month and scored 0 and 19 in the only four-day match he played there.

“Matt Renshaw’s injury has put a bit of a spanner in the works,” Langer said. “(He) is physically fine. The problem is he hasn’t played much cricket.

“It’s going to be a really instinct call. To weigh up what he’s done in the past – he’s obviously a very good young player.

“In the history of Australian cricket a lot of people have taken their opportunity through injury, and I thought Marnus fielded brilliantly, had a good day with the bat yesterday and bowled a few overs of leggies, so he’s certainly put a strong case forward.”

Australia haven’t won a Test series in Asia since 2011 but will return to second in the world rankings if triumphant.

Jon Holland boosted his case for a Test recall as the second spinner alongside Nathan Lyon, taking 5-79 on Tuesday, the last day of the tour match.

Siddle - who hasn’t played for Australia since 2016 - didn’t play in the warm-up match while Neser claimed only one wicket across the two innings in the battle to partner Mitchell Starc as the second quick.

“(Neser) impressed us, he always does,” Langer said. MORE ONLINE Cricket Australia unveil new chief