The Australian selectors have presented a big surprise ahead of the upcoming Ashes 2025-26 series against England. The hosts have named a 15-man squad for the opening high-profile five-match Test series in Perth on Wednesday (November 5).
Rising batting star Sam Konstas has been left out, and Tasmania’s in-form opener Jake Weatherald has been included in Australia’s Test squad for the first time for the first Ashes Test against England starting at Optus Stadium in Perth on November 21.
Jake Weatherald has been included in the Test squad for the first time as Australia omit Sam Konstanz for the Ashes opener
The Australian team is full of both experience and fresh energy. After being dropped during the West Indies series earlier this year, Marnus Labuschagne is set to make a strong comeback after a stellar performance with Queensland this domestic season.
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However, Labuschagne’s batting position remains uncertain with the selectors keeping it open, depending on whether Cameron Green can shoulder the full all-round responsibility.
Australian chairman of selectors George Bailey said, “He (Marnus Labuschagne) can bat at number three; he can open. He’s got the skill set for both, and he’s been looking quite good recently.”
On the other hand, Weatherald’s inclusion has caused a stir in Australian cricket. The left-handed opening batsman has been in great form, having scored over 1300 runs at an average above 50 across all formats for Tasmania and Australia A last year.
George Bailey explains Jack Weatherald’s selection and Sam Konstas’ omission
His ability to score runs quickly without losing control has made him a desirable selection for selectors. Speaking about Wetherald’s selection, Bailey said, “I think it’s a very solid record for 18-24 months. I don’t think it’s any one innings thing, but I think there’s good consistency in the way he approaches his batting. I think he’s in a really clear spot. The way he moves, we don’t see any innings-to-innings variations.”
Commenting on the appointment of Sam Constas, the chief selector said, “Every conversation with Sam is a pleasure – he has a great outlook on life, he remains incredibly upbeat. (We wanted to) check in, see how he’s feeling about the start of the year, what his focus is on at the moment, and then more about what we can do to support him going forward and what we want to see. And we try to make the cricket as complex as possible.” Let’s do it, really it’s about the runs.”
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Steve Smith to lead Australia in Perth as Pat Cummins is out with back injury
Meanwhile, Steve Smith will captain Australia against England in Perth as Pat Cummins recovers from a back injury suffered on the Caribbean tour earlier this year.
The batting unit features familiar faces like Travis Head and Usman Khawaja, both of whom have been key performers in recent seasons. Cameron Green and Beau Webster will handle the responsibility of all-rounders of the team. Alex Carey and Josh Inglis have been named as the two wicketkeeping options.
In the bowling department, Nathan Lyon remains the only specialist spinner, while the pace attack looks potent with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland.
Australia’s team for the first test:
Steve Smith (captain), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendon Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon.
