Marnus Labuschagne Returns to Australia's Ashes Lineup
Marnus Labuschagne is back in the Australian Test squad for the upcoming Ashes series, joining a refreshed team for the first Test in Perth. The selectors have included Jake Weatherald, who earned his maiden Test call-up after a stellar Sheffield Shield performance.
New and Returning Players in the Squad
- Jake Weatherald has secured a spot following an impressive season with Tasmania, scoring 906 runs in 18 innings at an average of 50.33.
- Uncapped players Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett were also selected.
- Usman Khawaja is expected to open the batting alongside Weatherald, with Sam Konstas dropped from the squad.
Squad Details
The 15-member squad for the First Test features:
- 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
Players Dropped and Captaincy
- Sam Konstas, 20, was dropped after scoring only 50 runs in six innings during the West Indies tour, including two ducks.
- Matthew Renshaw and Mitchell Marsh were also left out of the opening Test selection.
Steve Smith will captain the side in Perth, as Pat Cummins is sidelined due to a persistent back stress injury sustained in July in the Caribbean.
The squad reflects a balance of experienced players and fresh talent aiming to secure the Ashes for Australia.
Author's summary: The Australian Ashes squad boasts returning star Labuschagne, promising debutants, and a leadership shift with Smith stepping up as captain amid key player injuries.
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CricFit — 2025-11-05