Australia announced 15 member squad for ashes 2025-26
The national selectors have delivered a significant statement ahead of the opening Ashes Test against England, confirming a 15-man squad packed with strategic flexibility. The major talking point is the axing of young opener Sam Konstas, paving the way for the maiden international call-up of prolific Tasmanian opener, Jake Weatherald.
The selection panel, chaired by George Bailey, has clearly prioritized current domestic red-ball form and adaptability. Weatherald’s inclusion is a direct reward for his stunning run over the past 14 months, where the opener amassed 1391 runs at a formidable average of 53.50 for Tasmania and Australia A, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 68.65.
Bailey praised Weatherald’s consistency, noting his “clear understanding of the way they want to play” and highlighting his “natural attacking strengths without sort of being cavalier.” This suggests the selectors are seeking a decisive, high-tempo presence at the top of the batting order.
The return of Marnus Labuschagne—who was controversially omitted in the Caribbean earlier this year—is anticipated, given his prolific start to the season with Queensland. However, the exact deployment of the batting maestro remains a key tactical decision, directly linked to the fitness of the two all-rounders.
Bailey was non-committal on Labuschagne’s specific role, emphasizing the star batter’s flexibility: “He can bat three, he could open. He’s got the skill set for both, but he’s been looking pretty good of late.”
The selectors have named both Cameron Green and Beau Webster in the squad, having utilized both in the last four Test matches.1 Green’s ability to operate as a full-time all-rounder is paramount to the final XI’s composition. Green is slated to increase his bowling workload in the upcoming Sheffield Shield round, an assessment the selectors will monitor closely. Bailey affirmed that Green, a formidable No. 3 batter on difficult Caribbean decks, and Webster could certainly feature concurrently, underscoring the selectors’ desire for dual-threat players.
While the core bowling unit looks familiar—with Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon expected to form the four-man attack—several physical hurdles remain.
Veteran opener Usman Khawaja is nursing a minor adductor strain, making him a slight doubt despite the prior plan for him to miss the upcoming Shield fixture. Furthermore, Pat Cummins remains sidelined, battling a lumbar stress injury, with Steven Smith stepping up to lead the side in Perth. Cummins is expected to travel with the squad to continue building his bowling loads in a bid to be fit for the second Test at the Gabba.
The attack will be supported by reserve fast bowlers Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott. Notably, the magnificent Shield form of Michael Neser, who has snared 11 wickets on batter-friendly pitches, was insufficient to secure an immediate spot, though Bailey insists the veteran remains firmly “in the frame” for later in the campaign.
The inclusion of Josh Inglis as the reserve wicketkeeper—capable of playing as a specialist batter—further highlights the squad’s layered contingency planning, proving that the selectors are prioritizing a wide array of options before the first ball is bowled.
Australia squad for first Test against England
Steven Smith (capt), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster
