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Headline: Weatherald and Doggett Earn Test Debuts as Australia Finalizes Ashes XI

Perth, Australia – Australia has unveiled its playing XI for the highly anticipated Ashes opener in Perth, featuring two debutants: opening batter Jake Weatherald and fast bowler Brendan Doggett. The selection sees Weatherald, 31, partner with Usman Khawaja at the top of the order, becoming Khawaja’s seventh opening partner since his return in 2022. Doggett, also 31, joins Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland in the pace attack, capitalizing on the absence of frontline bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.

The most difficult decision came in the middle order, where Cameron Green’s return to the squad as an all-rounder led to the omission of Beau Webster. Webster, despite impressive performances in his early international appearances, was deemed surplus to requirements with Green taking the No. 6 spot.

“For Beau, he’s the one that misses out unfortunately,” said stand-in captain Steve Smith. “He came into international cricket and lit it up immediately. It’s a really tough one on him.”

Marnus Labuschagne will return to his preferred No. 3 position, a move Smith believes will strengthen the team. “Marnus, when he’s batting at his best at number three, he makes us a very good cricket side,” Smith stated, highlighting Labuschagne’s outstanding form in domestic cricket, including five centuries since the start of the season.

Australia’s finalized XI is: Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland. The first Test begins [Date – Assume it starts soon based on Smith’s quote of “eve of the Test.”] at the Perth Stadium.

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