Steve Smith To Lead Australia’s 15-Member Ashes Squad

Jake Weatherald was named in Australia’s 15-player squad for the first Ashes Test as Steve Smith prepared to lead the side in place of injured skipper Pat Cummins.

Uncapped batter Jake Weatherald earned his maiden Test call-up as Australia announced their 15-member squad for the first Ashes Test against England in Perth.

Australia’s selectors, led by George Bailey, made a few notable changes with pacers Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, and Sean Abbott all included. The trio are in contention to feature in the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins.

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“We are looking forward to the squad connecting and preparing in Perth leading on from a busy domestic and white-ball schedule to kick off the Test summer,” said Bailey.

“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.”

Weatherald Replaces Konstas At The Top

Weatherald’s selection came as a surprise after his strong performances in domestic cricket. The 31-year-old, who topped the run charts in last season’s Sheffield Shield, could open alongside Usman Khawaja for the first Test beginning November 21 in Perth.

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The move comes after 20-year-old Sam Konstas was left out following five Test appearances and a lean run at domestic level. Bailey backed Konstas to make a comeback soon.

“Every conversation with Sam is a joy – he’s got a great outlook on life, remains incredibly upbeat. (We wanted to) check in, see how he’s feeling about the start of the year, what his focus is at the moment, and then just more what we could do to support him going forward and what we’d like to see.

Marnus Labuschagne also made a return to the Test setup after strong domestic performances, while Josh Inglis was included as a batting option and back-up wicketkeeper to Alex Carey.

Former captain Steve Smith will lead the side in Cummins’ absence, with Travis Head, Cameron Green, and Beau Webster likely to occupy the middle order.

Australia squad for first Test against England

Steven Smith (capt), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster