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Fleming's Ashes XI: Smokies to replace Cummins in pace attack
Jack Elliott • October 22nd, 2025 3:26 pm
With a number of spots still up for debate, former Australian fast bowler Damien Fleming has weighed in on what Australia’s line-up should look like in the upcoming Ashes series.
Australia’s opening pair has been the biggest topic of debate in recent weeks, with a number of names in the ring to open the batting.
Veteran Usman Khawaja appears the most likely to get the nod at the top of the order, with the likes of Matt Renshaw and Sam Konstas also in the mix.
Off the back of his good form at state level, Renshaw was a surprise inclusion in the Australia ODI squad against India, but Fleming warns his white-ball addition could hurt his Ashes chances.
“When he gets picked in the one-day team, I’m going, ‘why?’, Fleming told SEN Breakfast.
“Just keep him in Sheffield Shield. He gets one more hundred, I’ve got Renshaw in.”
Fleming also backs a return for Marnus Labuschagne to the No 3 spot after an impressive start to the season for Queensland, which includes four centuries, two of which in the Sheffield Shield.
Then there is the debate about the very controversial all-rounder slot, with Cameron Green and Beau Webster battling for the role.
A battle Fleming believes could play a huge part in the Test series.
“I’ve got concerns on the fifth bowler,” he added.
“Hopefully we don’t need it, but I want Webster or Green to be bowling quality overs.”
Injuries are likely to be the deciding factor, with Green only just returning to bowling duties in the Sheffield Shield earlier this month, while Webster’s last first-class game came for Warwickshire in English County cricket in July.
The former quick also discussed what Australia’s pace attack should look like, with captain Pat Cummins set to miss at least the first test in Perth with a back injury.
Jhye Richardson, Sean Abbott and youngster Callum Vidler are among the names knocking the door down to fill the spot of the skipper, but Fleming has backed Michael Neser to return for his first Test appearance since 2022.
“Straight away I think Michael Neser plays,” Fleming suggested.
“Swings it both ways, very fit, excellent bat, great fielder. So, he’d be the first one in for me.”
Fleming also expects Mitchell Starc to lead the charge across all five Tests, but shared his concerns about the potential management of fellow quicks Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland.
“Hazlewood has only played five tests in a summer once in the last six years. So, do you get more resilient as you get in the mid-30s? I don’t think so.
“We love big ‘Bolo’, but he’s never played a whole summer.”
Australia is set name their squad for the first Test in the coming weeks, with the Ashes getting underway on November 21 at Optus Stadium.
