Australian selectors have sprung a major surprise ahead of the upcoming Ashes 2025-26 series against England. The hosts have announced the 15-member squad for the high-profile five-match Test series opener in Perth on Wednesday (November 5).
Rising batting star Sam Konstas has been dropped, and Jake Weatherald, the in-form Tasmania opener, was handed a maiden Test call-up to the Australia side for the first Ashes Test against England, starting on November 21 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
Australia’s squad is packed with both experience and fresh energy. After being dropped during the West Indies series earlier this year, Marnus Labuschagne is set for a strong comeback following a dream run with Queensland this domestic season.
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However, Labuschagne’s batting position remains uncertain, as the selectors are keeping it open depending on whether Cameron Green can take up full all-round duties.
Australian chair of selectors George Bailey stated, “He (Marnus Labuschagne) can bat three; he could open. He's got the skill set for both, and he's been looking pretty good of late.”
On the other hand, Weatherald’s inclusion has turned heads across Australian cricket. The left-handed opener has been in phenomenal form, smashing over 1300 runs at an average above 50 for Tasmania and Australia A across formats in the past year.
George Bailey explains Jack Weatherald’s selection and Sam Konstas’ omission
His ability to score quickly without losing control has made him a desirable pick for the selectors. Speaking about Weatherald’s selection, Bailey said, “I think it's a pretty solid record for sort of 18-24 months. I don't think there's any one inning, 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.”
Explaining Sam Konstas’ omission, the chief selector noted, “Every conversation with Sam is a joy—he's got a great outlook on life, remains incredibly upbeat. (We wanted to) check in, see how he's feeling about the start of the year, what his focus is at the moment, and then just more about what we could do to support him going forward and what we'd like to see. And as complicated as we try and make cricket, really it's about runs.”
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Meanwhile, Steve Smith will captain Australia in Perth against England, as Pat Cummins continues to recover from a back injury he picked up in the Caribbean earlier this year.
The batting unit features familiar faces like Travis Head and Usman Khawaja, both key performers in recent seasons. Cameron Green and Beau Webster will take charge as the team’s all-rounders. 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 powerful with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland.
Australia's squad for the 1st Test:
Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Marnus Labuschagne, and Nathan Lyon.
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