Ashes 2025/26: Steve Smith to Lead as Pat Cummins Ruled Out of Perth Test – Full Australia Squad

Cricket Australia (CA) announced a 15-member squad on Wednesday for the first Test of the five-match Ashes series against England, starting on November 21 in Perth. Steve Smith will captain the team, as Pat Cummins is ruled out of the opening match due to a back injury.

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The Australian cricket team is the joint oldest team in Test cricket history and has a tremendous record in one-dayers, having won more than 60% of the matches they have played.

Young batter Sam Konstas has been left out after a poor run in the West Indies series, where he scored 3, 5, 25, 0, 17, and 0. In his place, Tasmanian opener Jake Weatherald has received his first Test call-up, following a strong domestic season where he piled up runs and made a strong case for selection.

"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," Bailey said in a statement.

Australia name squad for first Ashes Test; Smith to lead as Cummins misses out

The chief selector said he hopes regular captain Pat Cummins will be fit for the second Test, but he’s still not sure if Cummins will play in the day-night match in Brisbane.

“I hope so (that he’ll return for the second Test). He bowled yesterday and he'll bowl again today, so all reports are that's still tracking and if not the second Test, then the third," he further added.

Bailey also talked about Marnus Labuschagne’s return, praising his great form in both the One-Day Cup and the Sheffield Shield. He said that Labuschagne was always in their plans, and whether he made any technical changes or not, he did exactly what the selectors and team wanted, he scored runs.

“We obviously had made the decision to leave him out of the team in the West Indies, but he’s always been part of the squad. “What we've seen is runs, time at the crease and I think there’s an energy there and a method that I think is really attractive," Bailey added.

It will be interesting to see how Australia’s top order looks. They could give Jake Weatherald his debut or bring back Marnus Labuschagne, while Cameron Green is likely to bat at number 3. The bowling attack should be the usual one, with Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett likely to miss out.

Australia squad for first Ashes Test: 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

Australia vs England – Ashes 2025/26 Test Series Schedule

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