Melbourne, Nov 5 – Australia named a 15‑player squad for the opening Ashes Test in Perth on Nov. 21, keeping veteran captain Steve Smith on the field while dropping wicket‑keeper opener Sam Konstas.
Marnus Labuschagne returned to the squad after a brilliant run‑scoring spell in the Sheffield Shield. The 27‑year‑old was the top scorer in the domestic competition and has already impressed with the bat in the current red‑ball season.
Uncapped left‑hander Jake Weatherald earned a place in the squad and could make his Test debut. He topped last season’s Shield run charts and has kept his form in the summer tour matches. Both Weatherald and Labuschagne will be in line to face England’s new ball, alongside Usman Khawaja.
Ramifications for the bowling attack were also clear. Fast bowlers Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott were selected, giving the team depth while key pacer Mitchell Starc stays on the sidelines.
Chief selector George Bailey said the squad offers a balanced mix of experience and youth, noting that 14 players will be hitting games in the Sheffield Shield next week.
The side also included all‑rounder Cameron Green and Northamptonshire‑bound Beau Webster, with Josh Inglis added as a backup keeper and batting option. Alex Carey remains the regular wicket‑keeper.
Australia hopes regular bowler Mitchell Starc will return later in the series. The squad for the first Test will feature:
Steve Smith (c), 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.
Source: ianslive
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