Warner showcased impressive skills in white-ball cricket during the recent World Cup. However, his Test performance has been less consistent, having scored only one century since early 2020 and maintaining an average of 28 since the 2019-2020 summer. This has raised doubts about his position at the top order alongside Usman Khawaja. Players like Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, and Matt Renshaw are pushing for a spot, with all three set to play for the Prime Minister’s XI against Pakistan in a red-ball warm-up. Many view this match as an audition for Warner’s position. Chairman of selectors George Bailey stated that the selected squad, led by Pat Cummins, has a strong track record, earning them the opportunity to start in the upcoming home Test match in Perth. The three-Test series begins on December 14 in Perth, followed by matches in Melbourne and Sydney. Despite Warner’s intention to retire from five-day cricket after the Sydney Test, Australia will continue to face Tests against the West Indies in January at Adelaide and Brisbane.

“As ever, there will be opportunities in the short- to medium-term to break into this squad,” said Bailey.

“We’re excited to see the continued strong performances from players who have been doing well in domestic competitions. Many of them will have a great opportunity in the PM’s XI fixture against Pakistan later this week.”

The only change expected for the Perth Test, compared to the team that played Australia’s last Test against England at the Oval in July, is the return of spinner Nathan Lyon in place of Todd Murphy, who didn’t make the squad.

Nathan Lyon, with 496 Test wickets, is close to joining the exclusive group of seven Test bowlers who have taken 500 or more wickets, alongside legends like Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, and Anil Kumble.

Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood are likely to lead the pace attack, with Scott Boland and the returning Lance Morris as backup options.

Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green are both in the 14-man squad, but Mitchell Marsh has moved up in the pecking order.

Australia’s squad for the first Test against Pakistan, starting on December 14 in Perth, includes David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Cameron Green, and Lance Morris.