Ashes 2025-26: Australia confirm playing XI as Brendan Doggett, Jake Weatherald set to make debuts in Perth

Brendan Doggett and Jake Weatherald. (Photo Source: Cricket Australia)

Opener Jake Weatherald is set to join speedster Brendan Doggett in debuting for Australia in the Ashes opener at the Optus Stadium in Perth, starting on Friday, November 21. Australia will field multiple debutants in an Ashes Test for the first time since the 2010-11 New Year’s Test when Usman Khawaja and Michael Beer were handed their maiden caps.

Stand-in Australian captain Steve Smith confirmed that the pair would make their debuts in the all-important first Test match. Weatherald is set to become Usman Khawaja’s sixth opening partner since David Warner’s retirement from red-ball cricket in January 2024.

On the other hand, all-rounder Beau Webster would consider himself unlucky to miss out after playing seven consecutive matches since his impressive debut against India in January.

Cameron Green is ready to bowl in a Test match for Australia for the first time since undergoing back surgery a little more than 12 months ago. His return to the bowling crease has effectively led to Webster’s axing. The latter had played the role of Australia’s seam-bowling all-rounder in Test matches after replacing Mitchell Marsh earlier this year. The 31-year-old had a batting average of 34.64 and a bowling average of 23.25 from seven Tests.

Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne, who was snubbed for the Test series against the West Indies, has returned to the setup. He will bat at his favourite No. 3 position. Nathan Lyon, who was dropped for Australia’s Test at Jamaica against the West Indies when the former World Test Champions opted for an all-pace attack, returns to the playing XI.

Australia have held possession of the prestigious urn since 2017. England, on the other hand, have not won an Ashes series in Australia since 2010-2011, when Andrew Strauss was the skipper. The Three Lions also won their last Test match Down Under during that series.

However, the impending Ashes promises to be an intriguing affair as many believe that this is the strongest England side to have been brought to Australia in recent years.

Australia 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.

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