The Australian team is facing up to four selection issues in the top seven after crashing to their first home Ashes loss in 15 years. 

New opener Jake Weatherald, number three Marnus Labuschagne and all-rounder Cameron Green were placed in the gun after their double failures at the MCG.

Veteran Usman Khawaja, who batted at number five in the Boxing Day Test, could retire after the end of this series after recently turning 39.

Weatherald and Labuschagne appear certain 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 number three, the 26-year-old has gradually slid back down the order.

Green has kept fellow all-rounder Beau Webster, who performed strongly in seven Tests this year, out of the team this summer.

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 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 number three 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 dismissal.

Australia has relied heavily on Travis Head for runs during this series, with wicketkeeper Alex Carey starring in both innings in Adelaide.

AAP

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