What AUS’s Playing XI Could Look Like Against ENG in the 2nd Test of The Ashes 2025

The Ashes 2025 brings with it a slight air of surrealism around Woolloongabba this week. Historically, the first Test of the Australian summer is when the country unpacks its classic formula — the reliable ‘big three’ quicks and a well-settled batting order. However, it appears as though the selectors may be reading too many cyberpunk novels because, based on the reported starting eleven for the 2025 Ashes Test, you’d have to ask yourself, What is going on? The “gabbatoir”, known for its speed and genuine bounce (as opposed to some other grounds), typically calls for experienced players. And yet here we are with a starting eleven which clearly indicates a new generation of players, or possibly a last-ditch attempt by the selectors to create an alternative strategy. 

Gambling on Flare Over Granite at the Top

The biggest surprise is the number one position in the batting line-up. A batsman known for hitting big shots in white ball cricket (Jake Weatherald) opening an innings with the new Duke ball? It is a choice that has a ‘high risk, high reward’ feel to it. Weatherald is as much about flair and aggression as he is about stability and reliability. 

Combining him with Marnus Labuschagne, now opening after being selected to do so, creates an opportunity that has both explosive potential and technical vulnerability. The Gabba wicket will provide some initial seam movement due to the fresh grass cover. Selecting Weatherald is not simply selecting a player; it is making a statement of intent to attack aggressively from the outset, before the new ball loses its shine.

Disrupting the Established Batting Hierarchy

The middle-order seems to be one of those jigsaw puzzles that was put together in a dimly lit room. Usman Khawaja, the renaissance man who bats at the top for Australia as an opener, moving into the middle order is a bizarre regression. Is this move made because he needs to take care of older legs, or does he need to bring a steady mind to the table once the ball starts to soften? 

While Smith can certainly captain with strength from numbers 3 or 4, and while Travis Head and Cameron Green are undoubtedly two of the strongest links in the engine room, the organisation of the middle order is still puzzling. Here, the scepticism is based on timing; Khawaja has clearly found his happy place when facing the new ball. To relocate him now appears to be a fix for something that isn’t necessarily broken. 

Unleashing Local Velocity on the Gabba Green

If the batting is unorthodox, the bowling attack is precise and calculated. The loss of Cummins as captain and Hazlewood will likely hurt Australia; however, the selection of Brendan Doggett is an excellent example of ‘horses for courses.’ As a Queenslander, Doggett understands the soil and grass of Woolloongabba; his seam movement and speed will be well-suited to a pitch that will favour bowlers who can bowl on the deck quickly. 

Doggett paired with Scott Boland, a player renowned for consistent accuracy, and the experienced Nathan Lyon, to capitalise on the bounce. This attack may lack star power, but it will have plenty of threats. Mitchell Starc, still the leading wicket-taker, will attempt to swing the ball at 145 clicks per hour, but Doggett’s familiarity with Woolloongabba will be the potential game-changer.

Key Takeaway

A volatile, high-risk lineup that trades traditional stability for local speed and aggressive batting experimentation.

FAQs

Why is Brendan Doggett in the squad over experienced bowlers?

Doggett is a Queensland local whose bowling style (pace and skid) perfectly suits the specific conditions of the Gabba, acting as a tactical “horse for the course.”

Why is Steve Smith listed as captain?

The predicted squad implies that regular captain Pat Cummins is unavailable (likely due to injury or rotation), returning the leadership to Smith as the vice-captain.

Is it normal for Usman Khawaja to bat in the middle order?

Not in recent years. Khawaja has revitalised his career as an opener; moving him down suggests a strategic shuffle to accommodate Weatherald or protect the veteran from the new ball.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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