Steve Waugh’s fears about the future of the Test side are bang on, even if he missed the mark with his claim of player power at selection and questions over George Bailey’s gumption to make tough calls.

Australia’s 15-player Test squad has just one player under the age of 30. If Jake Weatherald is presented with a baggy green in Perth, which appears likely given the confidence over Cameron Green’s fitness, he will be the second 31-year-old to make his Test debut in the past 12 months.

If it wasn’t Weatherald, it would have been a 29-year-old Matt Renshaw to open with Usman Khawaja, 38, or the 34-year-old Mitch Marsh.

There will be a third over-30 debutant should any of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc or Scott Boland break down between now and whenever Pat Cummins returns – expected to be

See Full Page