Doherty loses out as Australia search for a way back into Ashes

Australia have rung the changes to their side for the third Test in Perth, and it’s bad news for Xavier Doherty, Doug Bollinger and Marcus North.

It seems Doherty has failed to take his chance on the international stage and a surprise call-up for Michael Beer could mean the spinner, who has only ever made five first-class appearances, could make his Test debut on his home wicket of Perth.

Beer, Mitchell Johnson, Ben Hilfenhaus, Steve Smith and Phillip Hughes have all been included in the 12-man squad, as Australia look to get back into a series they are as big as 5/1 to win.

While many will see Australia’s constant tinkering as a sign of weakness, this could be the strongest side that has started a Test match so far and the 7/4 may be worth taking considering England’s record of just one win at the WACA.

The loss of Katich is a blow but Hughes is a capable replacement and there aren’t the question marks hanging over the Australian batting as there is over their bowling.

Beer’s local knowledge is a bonus for the Aussies but on a wicket that offers a little more for the pace bowlers, it seems the inexperienced spinner will miss out and Australia will go with a five-man attack of Johnson, Hilfenhaus, Smith, Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle.

The recall of Johnson may have something to do with the fact he’s taken 24 wickets in three Test matches and the seamer is 3/1 to take Australia’s most wickets in the first innings.

But the inclusion of the exciting all-rounder Smith is one England should watch and Smith is 5/1 to take the most first innings wickets, and 10/1 to score the most runs in Australia’s first innings

A £10 stake on Smith being Australia’s top first innings runscorer would return £110. New customers can sign up here for a free £10 bet.