SHOCKING! Sam Konstas Dropped as THIS star takes his place: Australia names Ashes 2025 squad, Steve Smith to lead
Australia’s lineup for the first Ashes Test against England was announced on Wednesday, including uncapped opener Jake Weatherald and backup fast bowlers Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott. Selectors also recalled Marnus Labuschagne to the 15-man squad, dropping young opener Sam Konstas.
The 31-year-old Weatherald will be Usman Khawaja’s sixth opening partner since David Warner’s retirement early last year if he is selected to face Ben Stokes’ team.
Earlier attempts with Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney have not provided a permanent opening position.
Chief selector George Bailey declined to confirm whether Weatherald would make his debut in Perth on November 21, despite the included in the 15-man squad.
After struggling with back soreness over the past year, all-rounder Cameron Green has been playing only as a batter since returning in the middle of the year. Only a few overs have been bowled by him this season. Green will probably slide down to bat at six if he is unale to bowl enough overs to sustain the attack. Weatherald will open, and Marnus Labuschagne, who is currently in form, will take his preferred position at number three.
With Pat Cummins still recovering from a lower back injury sustained against the West Indies more than three months ago, Steve Smith will continue to lead Australia in his absence.
Cummins intends to return for the day-night second Test in Brisbane on December 4. He will go to Perth with the team.
Along with fellow quicks Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, the dependable Scott Boland will lead the assault in his absence.
In his 140th Test, Nathan Lyon offers the spin option. Lyon is closing in on Glenn McGrath’s tally of 563 wickets to become the sixth-highest wicket-taker in history.
The show then travels to Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney after Perth.
England hasn’t won in Australia since 2010–2011, and they drew 2-2 at home in the most recent Ashes series in 2023.
Australia Ashes Squad:
Steve Smith (Captain), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Jake Weatherald, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Sean Abbott, Brendan Doggett.
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