By: The Trek News Desk
Australia has unveiled its 15-member squad for the opening Ashes Test against England in Perth later this month, though the final playing XI is yet to be confirmed.
Steve Smith will lead the team as captain in place of the injured Pat Cummins, with Travis Head appointed as his deputy.
Speaking at the squad announcement in Queensland, Chairman of Selectors George Bailey described the lineup as “well-balanced.” He added that 14 members of the squad will participate in the next round of Australia’s premier domestic competition, the Sheffield Shield, allowing the selectors to gather further insights before finalizing the playing eleven.
The squad sees three players set to make their Test debuts: batsman Jake Weatherald and bowlers Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott. Weatherald is in contention to open the innings alongside Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne.
All-rounders Cameron Green, returning from recent back surgery, and Beau Webster have been included in the squad. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey is the primary choice, with Josh Inglis named as his reserve. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, spinner Nathan Lyon, and seamers Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland complete the squad.
Bailey expressed hope that Cummins could return later in the series after missing selection due to a back injury. On Weatherald’s inclusion, he noted that the player’s performance over the past 18 months had been “solid” and that his style complements the rest of the squad.
When asked about the final XI, Bailey remained non-committal: “This is the squad. The Test starts on November 21. We don’t necessarily need to announce the XI until the toss.”
The five-match Ashes series will kick off at Optus Stadium in Perth from November 21–25. The second Test will take place at the Gabba, Brisbane, from December 4–8, followed by the third Test at Adelaide Oval from December 17–21. The traditional Boxing Day Test will be held at Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26–30, with the series concluding at Sydney Cricket Ground from January 4–8.
Meanwhile, England had named their 16-member squad in September, with Ben Stokes as captain and Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley as the opening pair.
Source: News Agencies
