Cricket News | Australia announce 15-member squad first Ashes Test

Australia name squad for opening Ashes Test as Smith replaces injured Cummins as captain

Australia have confirmed a 15-man squad for the opening Test against England in Perth, though the starting eleven remains undecided.

Author | Peter Jones

Steve Smith will captain the side in place of the injured Pat Cummins, with Travis Head named vice-captain.

Chairman of selectors George Bailey said the group offered “good balance”, adding that with most players set to feature in the upcoming Sheffield Shield round, selectors would “continue to gather information” before finalising the team.

Batsman Jake Weatherald and bowlers Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott are in line to make their Test debuts, while Weatherald could open alongside Usman Khawaja, with Marnus Labuschagne another option.

All-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster both return, joined by wicketkeeper Alex Carey, with Josh Inglis providing back-up. Fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, along with spinner Nathan Lyon, complete the attack.

Other updates from the squad announcement

Bailey said Cummins may return later in the series after missing out through a back injury. On Weatherald’s inclusion, he praised the batsman’s “really solid” form and his ability to complement others in the line-up.

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Asked about the final side, Bailey was circumspect. “That’s the squad. But it’s the 5th of November, the Test starts on the 21st. We don’t necessarily need to name the XI until the coin goes up,” he said.

Sam Konstas, who opened for Australia in the West Indies in July, has been left out after a lean run of domestic form, passing fifty only once in seven innings this season.

How it's been reported elsewhere in the media

The series begins at Optus Stadium in Perth from 21–25 November, followed by Tests at the Gabba, Adelaide Oval, the MCG for the Boxing Day Test, and the SCG in early January.

England named their 16-man squad in September, led by Ben Stokes, with Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley expected to open the batting.