Australia announces 15-man squad for first Ashes Test; three uncapped players named

On Wednesday, November 5, Cricket Australia announced a 15-member Australian Test squad for the upcoming first Ashes game, scheduled to start on Friday, November 21, at Perth Stadium. 

In the official statement, the chief selector George Bailey has confirmed that Steve Smith will be the stand-in captain for the first Ashes Test in Pat Cummins’ absence. Top-order batter Marnus Labuschagne has been recalled to the Test squad after his good start to the Sheffield Shield season, while the uncapped Tasmania batter Jake Weatherald has also been named in the squad. 

However, another opening batter, Sam Konstas, has been axed from the squad after his poor stint on the away tour to the West Indies. Alex Carey is expected to be the designated keeper-batter choice, and Josh Inglis is also in the squad as the backup keeper. 

"The squad gives us good balance and, with 14 of those chosen playing the next round of Sheffield Shield, we will continue to gather information as we move closer to the start of the first Test," Chief Selector George Bailey said in a statement.

Uncapped fast bowlers Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott are also part of the squad. The second Test will begin on December 4, while the third, fourth, and fifth Tests will be played, starting on December 17, 26, and January 4, respectively. 

Ashes 2025-26 schedule

First Test: November 21-25, Perth Stadium

Second Test: December 4-8, The Gabba, Brisbane (D/N)

Third Test: December 17-21: Adelaide Oval

Fourth Test: December 26-30: MCG, Melbourne

Fifth Test: January 4-8: SCG, Sydney

Australia squad: (First Test only): Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, 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.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!