Australia has made their selection for the first Test of the Ashes series against England, which will take place in Perth from November 21, 2025, and has announced a 15-player squad. The experienced Steve Smith will lead the team as Pat Cummins is out with a back injury.
The team is composed of a mix of seasoned players and newcomers, with the uncapped opener Jake Weatherald being the most prominent among them, as he got the chance for his excellent domestic performance.
Weatherald’s selection is based on the fact that he was the leading run-scorer of this season’s Sheffield Shield and scored consistently over the last one and a half to two years, according to George Bailey, chief selector of Australia. Although Weatherald’s name is not yet confirmed for the final playing eleven, he is surely the one who will be partnering with Usman Khawaja at the top of the order. Therefore, young opener Sam Konstas will not be part of the squad as his selection means Weatherald is already confirmed.
Australia’s First Test squad: 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
Marnus Labuschagne, who has hit five centuries this season, is another contender to be considered again. The squad has its pacers backed by the experienced names of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland, and the newer pace bowlers Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett. The place for the all-rounder is occupied by Cameron Green, who is overcoming a side-soreness problem, and Beau Webster, who is a spin-bat option with experience.
The selectors have made it clear that the final eleven will be determined by the performances and fitness updates, particularly the readiness of Green’s bowling. They pointed out that picking the right mix for the Optus Stadium pitch in Perth (where the first Test is scheduled) is essential in Australia’s effort to reclaim the urn.
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The first Test match of the series for Australia will be played at Optus Stadium in Perth on November 21-25, 2025. With England expected to put up a tough challenge and Australia already deprived of their regular captain, Cummins, for the first match, the focus will be on how the new batting order, headed by Smith, reacts to the strain. The presence of Weatherald and the return of Labuschagne implies that the selectors’ vision is not limited to the current series, but rather intends to grow the depth of Australia’s Test team and plan for the kingdom of Australian Test cricket in the medium term.
Schedule for The Ashes 2025‑26
| Test | Venue | Date |
| 1st | Perth Stadium (Perth) | 21-25 November 2025 |
| 2nd | The Gabba (Brisbane) | 4-8 December 2025 |
| 3rd | Adelaide Oval (Adelaide) | 17-21 December 2025 |
| 4th | Melbourne Cricket Ground | 26-30 December 2025 |
| 5th | Sydney Cricket Ground | 4-8 January 2026 |
Written By:- Manjunath S