Ashes 2025-26: Australia announces playing XI for first Test; England names its 12-man squad

Australia's XI for the 1st Ashes Test in Perth is confirmed, with Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett debuting due to injuries to Cummins/Hazlewood. England named a 12-man squad, including fit pace duo Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, ready to exploit the pace and bounce of the Optus Stadium pitch.

By Jack 20 Nov 2025 in Cricket

New Update

On Thursday, November 20, Cricket Australia has named its playing XI for the first Ashes 2025-26 Test against England, which is scheduled to take place at the Perth Stadium from Friday, November 21.

In an interesting turn of events, Brendan Doggett and Jake Weatherald will receive their Test caps after Steve Smith confirmed the pair would debut in the first Test in Perth. Marnus Labuschagne, who was dropped for Australia's most recent Tests in the West Indies, has amassed five centuries to begin the domestic summer to secure his place back in the playing XI.

Cameron Green's return to the bowling crease propelled the selectors to make Beau Webster sit out. Nathan Lyon, who missed selection for Australia's most recent Test in Jamaica, comes back to the XI.

Also, England named a 12-man squad for the first Test with Ollie Pope taking his place ahead of Jacob Bethell for the No.3 berth, while speedster Mark Wood has been cleared of hamstring tightness.

Australia’s XI for first Test: Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland.

England’s 12-man squad for Ashes opener: Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Mark Wood.

Australia squad (first Test): Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.

England squad: Ben Stokes (c), Harry Brook (vc), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.

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