Perth: Stand-in Australia captain Steve Smith has confirmed his team’s final XI for the opening Ashes Test against England in Perth, with the hosts set to hand out two Test debuts in a high-stakes ICC World Test Championship clash.
As predicted by former Australia captain Ricky Ponting on The ICC Review, opener Jake Weatherald and fast bowler Brendan Doggett have both been named in the XI, marking a bold selection approach from the Australian camp.
Webster Misses Out; Labuschagne Recalled at No. 3
Their inclusion means all-rounder Beau Webster misses out despite a series of impressive recent performances. Australia have opted instead to recall Marnus Labuschagne, who returns to the Test side at No. 3 after being dropped following the World Test Championship Final against South Africa in June.
Labuschagne was not part of the subsequent tour of the West Indies but has since piled on domestic runs in both the Sheffield Shield and List-A cricket—form that Smith says could not be ignored.
“Marnus at No. 3 makes us a strong side. He did exactly what was asked of him, and the way he has batted for Queensland in recent weeks has been outstanding,” Smith said.
Smith admitted that leaving out Webster was tough but said selection came down to balance and form.
Doggett to Debut Alongside Starc and Boland
In the bowling department, Doggett joins experienced left-armer Mitchell Starc and in-form seamer Scott Boland, while veteran spinner Nathan Lyon takes charge of the spin duties.
Regular quicks Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood remain unavailable, but Smith expressed full confidence in Doggett’s readiness for Test cricket.
“Brendan’s been on a few tours and has improved significantly. It’s unfortunate to lose Cummins and Hazlewood, but this is a great opportunity for him,” he said.
Historic Selection Move Ahead of High-Pressure Ashes Series
This is the first time since 2019 that Australia have named two debutants in the same Test XI, and the first such instance in an Ashes Test since 2011.
The first Test begins in Perth with Australia looking to start the Ashes strongly under Smith’s temporary leadership.
Australia Playing XI for 1st Ashes Test
Jake Weatherald, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland.
