Faulkner to make Test debut in final Ashes Test

Australia captain Michael Clarke had said that fast-bowling all-rounder James Faulkner would be given a Test debut and Mitchell Starc will be recalled as Australia aims for a consolation win in the Ashes finale.

According to Sport24, Faulkner replaces out-of-form batsman Usman Khawaja, who averaged just 19 in three successive Tests, following the team's latest collapse, which helped England win in the fourth Test at Durham and take an unbeatable 3-0 series lead.

Touting the Tasmanian player is a fighter and a competitor, Clarke said that although Faulkner might not look the best all the time, he will do his best to stay and help his partner make a hundred or bat with the tail to help them through, adding that the better the batting conditions, the better Faulkner bowls.

Clarke further said that he believes that Faulkner is the right character for Australia and will showcase his talent in the final Ashes Test match.

According to the report, all rounder Shane Watson, who started the series as an opener before moving to number six, is now set to bat in the number three position previously occupied by Khawaja.

The latest decisions by the two Australian selectors on tour, coach Darren Lehmann and wicketkeeping great Rodney Marsh, means that 17 out of the 18-strong squad will have played in this Ashes series, with the exception of reserve wicketkeeper Matthew Wade despite having scored hundreds in two of Australia's last four wins.

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