Jake Weatherald has earned a place in Australia’s 15-member squad for the opening Ashes Test in Perth, with Marnus Labuschagne making a return to the Test side. The selectors have also included two uncapped players — Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett in the lineup.
The 31-year-old Weatherald received his maiden Test call-up following an outstanding Sheffield Shield season, where he emerged as the top performer, scoring 906 runs in 18 innings for Tasmania at an impressive average of 50.33. With Sam Konstas omitted from the squad, Weatherald is a strong contender to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order.
Australia’s First Test squad: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster
The 20-year-old Sam Konstas has been dropped from Australia’s squad after a disappointing outing during the West Indies tour, where he managed just 50 runs across six innings, including two ducks. Matthew Renshaw and Mitchell Marsh have also been left out of contention for the opening Ashes Test.
Steve Smith To Lead Australia In Perth As Pat Cummins Ruled Out With Back Injury
As previously confirmed, Steve Smith will captain the side in Perth, with regular skipper Pat Cummins ruled out due to a lingering back stress injury sustained in the Caribbean in July. The batting lineup features Travis Head and Usman Khawaja, while Cameron Green and Beau Webster provide the all-round options.
Alex Carey and Josh Inglis have been named as the wicketkeeping choices, with Inglis being the only squad member currently part of the ongoing T20I series against India. Nathan Lyon remains the sole spinner, while the pace attack retains a familiar look with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, joined by Scott Boland, who steps in for Cummins.
Chief selector George Bailey noted that the chosen squad offers a strong balance, adding that the final Playing XI will be determined as the team approaches the first Test.
“The squad gives us good balance and, with 14 of those chosen playing the next round of Sheffield Shield (barring Inglis), we will continue to gather information as we move closer to the start of the first Test.”
The opening Test is scheduled to start on November 21.
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