Australia have revealed their playing XI for the Ashes opener at Perth Stadium, starting on November 21. Stand-in skipper Steve Smith announced Australia’s XI, revealing Brendan Doggett and Jake Weatherald will be making their Test debuts. It marks the first time the Australian men’s team has handed out two debut caps in an Ashes Test since the 2010–11 New Year’s Test.
"I've watched him bat in the nets pretty closely the last few days. He's got a lot of courage. He wants to face bowlers (in the nets) the entire time," Steve Smith said of Weatherald.
"The guys were charging in, bowling fast and he took it on. He was getting in really good positions, and he goes about it a certain way. He's been selected for his performances over the last 18 months, in particular, he's batted exceptionally well at the top of the order for Tasmania. Hopefully, he can bring that to the Test arena. I am really excited for him," Smith said.
Australia will be missing the services of regular captain Pat Cummins and pacer Josh Hazlewood as both of them are unavailable due to their respective injuries.
"Injuries happen in sport, particularly in cricket with fast bowlers, they put a lot of stress through their bodies. Unfortunate that those two are out. But an exciting opportunity for Scotty (Scott Boland) and for Brendan Doggett to make his debut," Smith said
"Brendan's been on a few tours with Australia. He is very skilful. I think he's improved a hell of a lot the last few years and I'm excited to see him go about his business."