After a strong start to the domestic season, Marnus Labuschagne was called up and Sam Konstas was left out of Australia’s 15-man team for the first Ashes Test match against England in Perth. Jake Weatherald, an uncapped left-hander, is in the running to open the batting after receiving his maiden international call-up.
Weatherald secured his berth by finishing as the top run scorer in the Sheffield Shield the previous season and carrying over his excellent red-ball record into the current campaign. His inclusion suggests that he and Usman Khawaja will likely work together when the first Test starts on November 21 at Perth Stadium.
After a strong start to the season for Queensland, Labuschagne, who was benched during the West Indies series earlier this year, is expected to return to the starting lineup. With selectors choosing distinct top-order roles, Weatherald’s precise batting position will depend on whether he fits in as a specialist opener.
“The squad gives us good balance and, with 14 of those chosen playing the next round of Sheffield Shield, we will continue to gather information as we move closer to the start of the first Test,” chief selector George Bailey said.
“We’re looking forward to the group connecting and preparing in Perth after a busy domestic and white-ball schedule to start the summer.”
In Pat Cummins’ absence, Steve Smith will captain the team. In an effort to control his workload and make a comeback for the Brisbane Test, Cummins will travel with the team while he continues to heal from a lumbar stress injury.
Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon—who is returning after selectors chose an all-seam attack in Jamaica—are anticipated to be part of Australia’s attack. Beau Webster and Cameron Green are still in the starting lineup, but it’s unclear if the two all-rounders will play together once more.
Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett are designated as backup quicks. Abbott keeps his spot after making consecutive appearances in the squad earlier this year, while Doggett returns after pulling out of the Caribbean tour due to a hip issue. Despite having a great Shield start and collecting 11 wickets in two games on batting-friendly conditions, Michael Neser has no place in the squad.
After covering for the injured Smith at No. 4 in Barbados and keeping during Australia’s most recent Test after Alex Carey was substituted due to a concussion, Josh Inglis has been designated as the backup wicketkeeper in addition to providing cover as a batter.
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
England’s squad: Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood
