Australia has announced a 15-player squad for the opening Ashes Test against England, scheduled to begin on November 21 at Perth's Optus Stadium. The National Selection Panel revealed the lineup on November 5, featuring a balanced mix of experienced players and one uncapped member. Regular captain Pat Cummins will miss the match due to a lumbar bone stress injury sustained in July 2025, with Steve Smith stepping in as captain. The squad includes three pace options to replace Cummins, with Scott Boland considered the frontrunner. Uncapped left-hander Jake Weatherald earned a surprise call-up, while opening batter Sam Konstas was notably left out. Fourteen squad members will participate in the upcoming Sheffield Shield round, allowing selectors to gather additional information before finalizing the playing eleven for the historic series opener.
Squad Composition and Key Changes
The Australian squad features Steve Smith as captain, replacing the injured Pat Cummins. The pace attack will be bolstered by Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, and Brendan Doggett, with Boland likely to start due to his experience. Jake Weatherald, an uncapped left-handed batsman, received a surprise inclusion. Opening batter Sam Konstas was omitted, though selector George Bailey noted he took the news positively. The squad also includes Travis Head and Sean Abbott, who were released early from the ongoing T20I series against India to participate in Sheffield Shield matches. Fourteen players will feature in the next Shield round, providing selectors crucial match data before the series begins.
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