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Australia squad announced for first Ashes Test
Scott Bailey, AAP • November 5th, 2025 2:15 pm
Jake Weatherald is a chance of a Test debut after edging out Matt Renshaw for a spot in Australia's squad in the Ashes series opener.
Selectors on Wednesday kept their options open as they named a 15-man group for the first Test starting in Perth on November 21, with Steve Smith the stand-in captain.
Marnus Labuschagne is back in the squad after being dropped for this year's Tests in the West Indies, while Sam Konstas has been cut.
Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott have also been picked, with the duo expected to act as reserves behind quicks Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland.
Beau Webster and Cameron Green have also both been named, allowing selectors to consider their options over the next fortnight.
Josh Inglis has also been picked in the group, but is expected to act as a back-up batter and wicketkeeper given his ability to cover several bases.
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With the in-form Labuschagne all but certain to play in Perth, Weatherald, Green and Webster are realistically fighting over two spots.
If selectors want to play a specialist opener rather than asking Labuschagne to do the job, Weatherald will earn a Test debut at age 31.
But if there any concerns over Green's ability to bowl big overs in Perth, it is likely selectors will opt for the security of having both him and Webster in the side.
Weatherald has made his case by being the leading run-scorer in the Shield last summer with 906 at an average of 50.33.
The 31-year-old then backed it up with a big century for Australia A against Sri Lanka A in Darwin during the winter, before a steady start to the summer.
His first call up to a Test squad comes after he had to leave South Australia for Tasmania a little over two years ago in a bid to continue his first-class career.
Renshaw can count himself somewhat unlucky, after scoring a century to start the summer for Queensland, while also looking in good touch for Australia in ODIs.
Meanwhile both Abbott and Doggett's call ups are notable given there is every chance Australia may have to rotate their quicks on tight turnarounds later in the series.
Australia are hopeful Pat Cummins will return midway through the Ashes, but at age 31 and 33 Doggett and Abbott appear closer to a Test debut than ever before.
Australia squad for first Ashes Test:
Steve Smith (capt), 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.
The first Test between Australia and England begins on November 21 at Optus Stadium. Catch every ball of the Ashes on the Sport Nation app via SEN.
