Australia have unveiled a 15-man squad for the opening Test of the Ashes, set to begin on 21 November in Perth, and it features some significant selection moves. Uncapped opener Jake Weatherald has been named in the squad, and veteran campaigner Marnus Labuschagne has been recalled after a supreme domestic start. Labuschagne returns to the fold after his dominant start in the domestic Sheffield Shield season.
Weatherald’s inclusion is seen as one of Australia’s most daring ahead of one of their most anticipated Tests in recent years. Despite never having played a Test for Australia, his consistent domestic form has finally earned the selector's nod. Weatherald has smoked 248 runs at an average of 41.33 for Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield this season.
Australia captain Pat Cummins is unavailable for the first Test due to a stress injury to his back, meaning Steve Smith will captain at least the Perth Test. Notably, Sam Konstas has been left out following a dismal show in the Test series in the Caribbean earlier this year. The young gun could only score 50 runs across six innings.
"The squad gives us good balance and, with 14 of those chosen playing the next round of Sheffield Shield, we will continue to gather information as we move closer to the start of the first Test," Selection chief George Bailey said in a statement.
Australia's First Test squad: 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