Fri Nov 21 01:50:00 UTC 2025: Australia Announces Squad for Ashes Opener: Two Debutants Named
Perth, Australia – Stand-in captain Steve Smith has confirmed Australia’s playing XI for the highly anticipated first Ashes Test against England, set to begin in Perth. The squad features two debutants, opener Jake Weatherald and fast bowler Brendan Doggett, fulfilling predictions made by Australian legend Ricky Ponting.
Marnus Labuschagne returns to the side at No. 3 after being dropped following the World Test Championship Final in June, his strong domestic form earning him a recall. All-rounder Beau Webster misses out despite recent good performances. “Marnus, when he’s batting at his best at No.3, he makes us a very good cricket side,” Smith said, highlighting Labuschagne’s impressive Shield and one-day cricket form.
Doggett joins experienced pacers Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland in the bowling attack, with Nathan Lyon as the lead spinner. Regular pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are sidelined with injuries. Smith expressed confidence in Doggett’s abilities, noting his skill and improvement over the years.
This marks the first time since 2019 that Australia has included two debutants in the same Test team, and the first time since 2011 to include two debutants in an Ashes team.
Australia XI: Jake Weatherald, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland
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