Australia announce squad for opening Ashes 2025/26 Test in Perth
Australia's selection committee has decided to announce their squad for the opening game of Ashes 2025/26 at the Optus Stadium in Perth against England as Steve Smith will lead the side.
Australia’s selection committee has decided to drop their young opening batter, Sam Konstas, for the opening Ashes 2025/26 Test against England at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Tasmania opener Jake Weatherald was handed his first international call-up in the 15-member squad, as Manus Labuschagne, dropped from the Caribbean series, is set to be recalled to the XI having made a stunning start in the domestic season for Queensland.
Jake Weatherald had earned his place after scoring 1391 runs at an average of 53.50 at a strike rate of 68.65 opening the batting for Tasmania and the Australia A in the last 14 months. Cameron Green and fellow all-rounder, Beau Webster, have been named in the squad although it remains to be seen whether both will be part of the same eleven.
“I don't think there's any one innings, but there's been a good consistency, I think, in the way that he approaches his batting. I think he's in a really clear place. We don't see any sort of shifting innings to innings from the way he goes about it. So that says to me that he's someone who has a clear understanding of the way they want to play.” Austraia’s chairman of selectors, George Bailey, expressed.
Steve Smith to lead Australia in opening Ashes 2025/26 Test un Perth
Steve Smith will lead the side in the absence of Pat Cummins, who has been battling with a lumbar stress injury but will continue to train with the national side in Perth. Usman Khawaja is the only one of the squad who won’t play the upcoming Shield round. His adductor strain has made him a doubt for the opener.
Josh Inglis has been included as the reserve wicket-keeper and can also fill the role of the reserve batter having played as a specialist bat in three Tests this year. He will play in the fourth Shield game for WA against Queensland at the WACA from November 11.
Australia’s squad for first Ashes 2025/26 Test in Perth
Steven Smith (captain), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster
Tags:
