Marnus Labuschagne has given the biggest hint yet at the make-up of Australia’s top order for the first Ashes Test in Perth next week.

The Queensland skipper opted to bat at three on the first day of his side’s Sheffield Shield clash against Western Australia at the WACA despite Usman Khawaja missing the contest.

Khawaja’s absence left an opening position vacant, a golden opportunity for Labuschagne to get some practice should he be required to open against England.

However, in positive signs for a Test debut for Tasmanian opener Jake Weatherald, Labuschagne remained at three with Angus Lovell coming into the Queensland line-up as a specialist opener.

Weatherald sparked concerns about him opening for Australia next week when he chopped on for 23 against South Australia on Monday.

But

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