Overview:
Smith has been Australia's backbone in the batting department, and his return to the number four position after briefly opening the batting is a move that strengthens the middle order.
Australia have announced their squad for the opening Ashes Test against England as they look to retain the Ashes. Captain Pat Cummins will miss the first Test due to a back injury, with Scott Boland set to replace him in the playing XI.
Tasmania’s Jake Weatherald has earned his maiden call-up and is in contention to open the batting in what could be his Test debut. The series kicks off on 21 November, with the fifth and final Test starting on 4 January. Each player’s profile is assessed, including Cummins’ absence, as attention turns to their recent form and Test credentials.
Australia batters
Jake Weatherald (opening batter)
Age: 31: Uncapped
Jake Weatherald has earned his first-ever call-up to the Australian squad, with Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, and Matt Renshaw all dropped after their debuts last year. George Bailey, the chief selector, described Weatherald as “really solid,” praising his ability to build an innings and maintain a steady scoring rate. Despite the praise, Bailey stayed cautious about confirming whether Weatherald would make his debut in Perth.
This season, Weatherald has averaged 37.62 in four Sheffield Shield matches, following a dominant previous campaign where he finished as the competition’s top run-scorer with an impressive average of 50.33.
Usman Khawaja (Opening Batter)
Age: 38 ; Tests: 84 ; Runs: 6,053 ; Average: 43.86 ; 100s: 16
Australia’s top-order batting has been a concern in recent times, but Khawaja has provided consistency at the top. The left-hand batter has a solid average of 44.23 against England across 35 innings, with four centuries proving his ability to deliver when it counts. Khawaja excels in Australian conditions, where his average rises to 49.90. His performances in the Ashes could have a massive influence on the series outcome. Currently, Khawaja is in fantastic form, with a 2025 Test average of 53.98, making him a key player to watch.
Steve Smith (Batter)
Age: 36 ; Tests: 119 ; Runs: 10,477 ; Average: 56.02 ; 100s: 36
Smith has been Australia’s backbone in the batting department, and his return to the number four position after briefly opening the batting is a move that strengthens the middle order. Against England, his average stands at 56.01, and in Australian conditions, it’s even higher at 59.70.In Pat Cummins‘ absence, Smith will take charge as the captain for the opening Test, but it’s his batting form that could be a game-changer in this Ashes series.
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Marnus Labuschagne (Batter)
Age: 31 ; Tests: 58 ; Runs: 4,435 ; Average: 46.19 ; 100s: 11
For a time, Labuschagne‘s place in the Australian squad seemed uncertain, but after an outstanding start to the domestic season, he has forced his way back into contention.With five centuries across all formats, including two in the Sheffield Shield, where his average stands at an impressive 67.00, Labuschagne’s recent form has been excellent.
His role in the side could be determined by Cameron Green‘s fitness. If Green is able to bowl, Labuschagne will likely bat at three, but if Green is only available as a specialist batter, Labuschagne might open the batting. After being dropped for the West Indies series following a lean patch with an average of just 25.84 and no centuries in 15 Tests, Labuschagne is now looking to prove his worth again. He has a solid record against England, averaging 40.64 in 14 Tests, and made history in 2019 as the first-ever concussion substitute in an Ashes series.
Travis Head (Batter)
Age: 31 ; Tests: 60 ; Runs: 3,963 ; Average: 41.71 ; 100s: 9
As one of Australia’s most dynamic players, Head is known for his game-changing abilities, capable of taking the game away from opponents with quick-fire innings.Yet, recent performances have been inconsistent, with his top score since October being just 31 in eight white-ball matches. This prompted him to skip the last two T20s against India in favor of preparing for the Sheffield Shield before the Ashes began on 10 November. Against England, Head has an average of 39.56 in 13 Tests, and at home, he enjoys a far more impressive average of 51.52.
Australia bowlers
Pat Cummins (Captain, Pace Bowler)
Age: 32 : Tests: 71 : Wickets: 309 : Average: 22.10 : Best Figures: 6-23
Pat Cummins will miss the first Ashes Test in Perth, but he’s working hard on his fitness and hopes to return for the second Test in Brisbane. The Australian captain is currently ranked fourth in the ICC Test bowling rankings and has claimed 91 wickets in 19 Ashes Tests at an average of 24.10. His home record is even more impressive, with an average of 19.92. Joe Root is Cummins’s most frequent victim in Test cricket, with 11 dismissals to his name.
Mitchell Starc (Fast Bowler)
Age: 35 ; Tests Played: 100;Total Wickets: 402 ; Bowling Average: 27.02 ; Best Bowling: 6/9
Starc has proven to be a constant threat, especially in day-night conditions where his new-ball skills are unmatched.In 14 matches with the pink ball, he has picked up 81 wickets at a sensational average of 17.08. His form in Brisbane is something to look out for. In Ashes history, Starc has amassed 97 wickets in 22 Tests, averaging 27.37. He has a knack for dismissing England’s key players, having removed Ben Stokes nine times and Joe Root eight.Starc’s batting is also noteworthy, with an average of 20.19 against England and 11 half-centuries to his name.
Nathan Lyon (Off-spin Specialist)
Age: 37 ; Tests: 139; Wickets: 562 ; Average: 30.14 ; Best Figures: 8/50
Lyon is Australia’s leading spin bowler and the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test history, just two wickets away from surpassing Glenn McGrath. While recent Australian pitches have favoured pace, Lyon still plays a vital role in the team. Against England, he has been a consistent performer, claiming 110 wickets in 30 Ashes Tests at 29.41. After a challenging 2023 Ashes, where injury limited his impact, Lyon will be keen to finish his Ashes career on a high.
Sean Abbott (Fast Bowler)
Age: 33, Tests: Uncapped
A regular in Australia’s limited-overs teams, Abbott has been unable to break into the Test lineup due to the dominance of Cummins, Hazlewood, and Starc. He took one wicket in his recent Shield outing and impressed last season, bagging 19 wickets at 21.94. With a first-class batting average of 24.62, Abbott offers handy lower-order stability. Abbott won’t feature in the opening Test, as he’s sidelined by a hamstring injury.
Scott Boland (Fast Bowler)
Age: 36; Tests: 14; Wickets: 62 ; Average: 16.53; Best Bowling: 6/7
Boland has long been Australia’s backup pacer since his debut during the 2021 Ashes, often stepping in when needed. With Cummins unavailable, he is likely to take the field for the first Test. He has been particularly effective against England, taking 20 wickets in five Tests at an impressive 20.15. At home, his numbers are even more remarkable, averaging just 12.63. However, the 2023 Ashes saw England attack him more aggressively, leading to a higher average of 48. They’ll likely continue with this strategy in the upcoming series.
Michael Neser (Fast Bowler)
Age: 35; Tests: 2; Wickets: 7; Average: 16.71; Best Bowling: 3/22
After injuries to Hazlewood and Abbott, Neser was called up, ahead of Fergus O’Neill, who has been in strong form in the Shield. He’s taken 14 wickets at 24.28 this season in the domestic red-ball format. While Neser may be slightly behind Doggett in the pecking order, he offers a dependable option for the team.
Brendan Doggett (Fast Bowler)
Age: 31; Tests: Uncapped
Doggett has made a name for himself as a reliable backup seamer, impressing in recent Sheffield Shield seasons. He took 7/86 in his only outing this season, after bagging 33 wickets at an average of 24.15 last year. He also enjoyed a stint with Durham, picking up nine wickets in three matches at 33.44.
Australia wicketkeepers
Alex Carey (Keeper-Batter)
Age: 34; Tests: 43; Runs: 2,010; Average: 34.65; Centuries: 2; Dismissals: 177
As a vital member of Australia’s setup, Carey’s position remains secure. He has the ability to adjust his batting style, whether it’s steadying the ship or increasing the run rate as required. During the 2023 Ashes, Carey’s stumping of Jonny Bairstow at Lord’s became one of the most talked-about moments of the series. Against England, his average of 21.27 in 10 Tests contrasts with his career average of 34.65 and 31.68 at home.
Josh Inglis (Batter/Wicketkeeper)
Age: 30; Tests: 3; Runs: 119; Average: 29.75; Centuries: 0
Inglis has long been Australia’s backup option in the middle order and will remain part of the squad for the opening Test. While he hasn’t yet played a Test match at home, he’s a regular fixture in the limited-overs team, known for his aggressive and attacking batting style. Additionally, Inglis serves as the backup wicketkeeper to Alex Carey. He had a standout season in the Sheffield Shield last year, averaging 72.60 across three matches.
Australia all-rounders
Cameron Green (All-Rounder)
Age: 26; Tests: 32; Runs: 1,565; Average: 34.02; Wickets: 35; Average: 35.31
Green was a certain pick for Australia’s squad, but the specific role he plays has been the topic of much debate. After being used as a specialist batter due to injury concerns, he’s now back to bowling. This allows him to take on the all-rounder position at No. 6, with a specialist batter at No. 3. Against England, Green averages 27.58 in 8 Tests and has claimed 18 wickets.
Beau Webster (All-Rounder)
Age: 31; Tests: 7; Runs: 381; Average: 34.63; Wickets: 8; Average: 23.25
Webster debuted against India last December and has since been a consistent all-rounder. However, the return of Green and Labuschagne’s form could see him miss out.
He has proven himself in difficult conditions, notably scoring half-centuries against the West Indies and in the World Test Championship final against South Africa.
Australia Probable Playing XI
Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith (C), Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (WK), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood