Nathan Lyon believes England’s talisman Ben Stokes will be a surprise call-up for the Ashes, after photos emerged of the injured all-rounder back in the nets.
Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade are options at the top of the order if selectors opt to move on David Warner, but it would be a major deviation from a strategy selection chairman Trevor Hohns said was well advanced as far back as June.
Frustration at being overlooked by selectors, as well as a minor knee injury, have prompted the pace bowler to make the shock call at the start of an Ashes summer.
Former national selector Mark Waugh says you “have to think about” returning to Usman Khawaja as an opening batsman for the Ashes amid a “lack of depth” and lingering concussion concerns with Will Pucovski.
