AUS vs ENG: Australia playing XI announced for Ashes 1st Test

One of the greatest rivalries in cricket history, The Ashes, is set to begin on November 21. The 5-match test series will run from November 21, 2025, to January 08, 2026. The First test match will be held at Perth Cricket Stadium in Perth. Australia, the hosts, and England, the visitors, are fully prepared for this great contest. On Wednesday, November 19, England announced their 12-man squad for the series opener. On Thursday, November 20, a day before the match, the defending champions, Australia, have also announced their playing XI, demonstrating that both teams are confident in their lineups and have already begun playing mind games.

In the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins, Steve Smith is set to lead the side. Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett will be the two debutants from the Aussie side. 

With Jake Weatherald, Usman Khawaja will open the innings. Following that, Marnus Labuschagne, Captain Steve Smith, and Travis Head will be featured in the middle order. Alex Carey will be the wicket-keeper batter, who bats at 7. Cameron Green, who bats at 6, will feature in the all-rounder role and in the role of fourth seamer. It will be very fascinating to see him in a new batting position. Earlier this year, he was batting at No.3 on the West Indies tour. Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and young fast bowler Brendan Doggett will lead the pace attack, while Nathan Lyon will be the only spinner in the starting lineup.

Brendan Doggett, who will make his test debut in the Perth test. He recently impressed the Australian selectors with his bowling while playing for South Australia. He took a total of 13 wickets in 4 innings of 2 matches, which also includes two 5-wicket hauls. It is just the first time since 2019 that Australia has named two debutants in the same Test side. He will have the responsibility to contribute to the team’s ace bowlers, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland. 

Jake Weatherald will also make his Test debut as an opener. He also impressed Australian team management with his batting during the Sheffield Shield, where he was playing for Tasmania. He scored 301 runs in 8 innings, including 3 half-centuries. He played with an average of 37.62. 

The Australian side is continuously searching for a stable opening batter after David Warner’s retirement. Before Weatherald, Australia has tried Nathan McSweeney, Sam Konstas, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, and Cameron Green in the opening role, but none of them have secured the position.  

Australia Playing XI for the Ashes Opener 

Jake Weatherald, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland