The stand-in captain for Australia, Steve Smith, in the absence of their regular Test captain, Pat Cummins, has confirmed the playing XI ahead of the opening Test of the Ashes 2025/26 at Optus Stadium in Perth. They have decided to go with two debutants, Brendan Doggett and Jake Weatherald, for the opening clash, besides missing a few top players. 

There were several discussions on the decision between Cameron Green and Beau Webster, and management has decided to go with the former. The Western Australia star went through a few rounds of the Sheffield Shield games and also bowled a few overs. Smith reckoned that Marnus Labuschagne had done enough to win a recall.

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“Marnus, when he's batting at his best at No.3, he makes us a very good cricket side. We couldn't really leave him out after he came back and did exactly what was told of him. The way he's batted in Shield and one-day cricket for Queensland in the last couple of weeks has been amazing.” Smith expressed at the press conference.

Australia confirm Jake Weatherald and Brendon Doggett’s debut in opening Ashes 2025/26 Test

Since the opening Ashes 2020/21 Test at the Gabba when Pat Cummins became the captain of the red-ball side, Australia have not lost a single home Test series. In six attempts, the only drawn series was against the West Indies a year ago.

“So when he's batting well, he's tough to leave out and hopefully he can bring that to the Test arena now. Beau, he's the one who misses out, unfortunately. He came into international cricket and lit it up immediately – it's a really tough one on him.” Smith shed light.

“Injuries happen in sport, particularly in cricket with fast bowlers, as they put a lot of stress on their bodies. Unfortunate that those two are out. But an exciting opportunity for Scotty (Boland) and for Brendan Doggett to make his debut.” Australia’s captain informed.

Australia’s playing XI for opening Ashes 2025/26 Test in Perth

Jake Weatherald, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland.