with great anticipation The Ashes 2025-26 The series is going to start on November 21 in Perth, about which excitement is increasing in the cricket world. Former captain of Australia ricky pontingKnown for his sharp cricketing skills and tactical insight, he has stoked the pre-series buzz by unveiling his preferred Australian XI for the first Test. With injuries disrupting Australia’s usual bowling attack, Ponting’s selection reflected both adaptability and confidence in emerging talent.
Ricky Ponting reveals his favorite XI for Perth Test
But I am saying icc reviewPonting shared the lineup he believes gives Australia the strongest chance of making a winning start to the Ashes. with pat cummins And Josh Hazlewood After being ruled out of the opening Test due to injury, Australia have been forced to rethink their bowling combination – opening the door for new faces.
Ponting surprised many people by taking the name Jake Weatherald His choice is to open the batting with the experienced Usman KhawajaWhile Wetherald is yet to make his Test debut, his recent red-ball form and aggressive style has earned him the backing of Ponting,
“I think Australia’s best team is Jake Weatherald opening the batting with (Usman) Khawaja.” Ponting said, giving a huge vote of confidence to the left-hander.
Ponting has shown full confidence at number 3 marnus labuschagneThe batsman was praised for his brilliant domestic season and consistent contributions.
“He has done everything that has been asked of him in the last month, has scored the centuries he wanted, has returned to the team at No. 3.” Ponting commented.
Also read: Ashes 2025-26: James Anderson reveals roadmap for English bowlers in Australia
New face in pace attack, Brendan Doggett gets Ponting’s support
With two frontline pacers unavailable, Ponting’s XI includes a new-shaped pace unit Scott Boland, Mitchell StarcAnd Brendan DoggettDoggett, who has impressed with his ability to achieve bounce and movement in domestic cricket, was selected next Michael Nesser,
“Boland, Starc and maybe Doggett get the nod ahead of Michael Neser,” Ponting said, highlighting the pace and variety that Doggett has brought to the attack.
The charge of spin remains in reliable hands nathan lyonWhich Ponting described as a certainty in Australian conditions.
“Nathan Lyon, who was always going to play anyway, I think will be the team for Australia,” He added.
In the middle order, the former captain retained a familiar structure steve smith At number 4, travis head At number 5, and all-rounder cameron green Alex Carey at No. 6 has retained his place as the wicketkeeper-batsman at No. 7.
Ricky Ponting’s Australia XI for the first Test: Jake Weatherald, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Scott Boland, Mitchell Starc, Brendon Doggett, Nathan Lyon
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