Australia has named its 15-player squad for the opening match of the 2025–26 NRMA Insurance Ashes Series against England, with Marnus Labuschagne returning and Jake Weatherald in line for a possible debut. The first Test begins at Perth Stadium on 21 November, marking the start of a five-match series that will continue through the summer.
Steve Smith will captain the side in place of Pat Cummins, who remains sidelined with a back injury but is expected to rejoin the team later in the series. The selectors have opted for a mix of experience and emerging talent, maintaining a strong bowling core while adding form players from the Sheffield Shield.
The squad includes Steve Smith, 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 and Beau Webster. Players are drawn from clubs and states across the country, including NSW’s Sutherland, Parramatta, Northern District and Manly Warringah; Victoria’s Frankston Peninsula; South Australia’s Glenelg; Western Australia’s Subiaco-Floreat and Joondalup; Queensland’s Valley District and Redlands; and Tasmania’s Kingborough.
Chair of selectors George Bailey said the squad reflected balance and adaptability heading into a long summer. “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. 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.
Labuschagne’s return follows a string of centuries and strong domestic form that reaffirmed his position as one of Australia’s most reliable batters. Weatherald, meanwhile, earned his spot after a prolific Shield campaign last season, scoring 906 runs at an average above 50. His inclusion gives selectors a new option to open alongside Usman Khawaja, though the final order remains open.
The selectors are expected to make a late call on the XI after the next Shield round. One key factor is Cameron Green’s bowling readiness following back surgery. If Green’s workload remains limited, Beau Webster could provide all-round support at six, allowing Labuschagne to return to his preferred first-drop position and Weatherald to open.
Josh Inglis remains in the squad as reserve wicketkeeper and potential specialist batter, while Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott provide backup options in the pace department behind Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland.
The Perth Test will be followed by matches in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. England’s visiting squad, captained by Ben Stokes, includes Harry Brook, Jofra Archer, Zak Crawley, Joe Root and Mark Wood, ensuring a fierce contest between two seasoned rivals.
Australia:
- Steve Smith (NSW/Sutherland Cricket Club) (c)
- Sean Abbott (NSW/ Parramatta District Cricket Club)
- Scott Boland (VIC/Frankston Peninsula Cricket Club)
- Alex Carey (SA/Glenelg Cricket Club)
- Brendan Doggett (SA/Glenelg Cricket Club)
- Cameron Green (WA/Subiaco-Floreat Cricket Club)
- Josh Hazlewood (NSW/St George Cricket Club)
- Travis Head (SA/Tea Tree Gully Cricket Club)
- Josh Inglis (WA/Joondalup Cricket Club)
- Usman Khawaja (QLD/Valley District Cricket Club)
- Marnus Labuschagne (QLD/Redlands Cricket Club)
- Nathan Lyon (NSW/Northern District Cricket Club)
- Mitchell Starc (NSW/Manly Warringah Cricket Club)
- Jake Weatherald (TAS/Kingborough Cricket Club)
- Beau Webster (TAS/Kingborough Cricket Club)
2025-26 NRMA Insurance Men’s Ashes
- First Test: November 21-25, Perth Stadium, 1.30pm AEDT
- Second Test: December 4-8, The Gabba, Brisbane (D/N), 3.30pm AEDT
- Third Test: December 17-21: Adelaide Oval, 11am AEDT
- Fourth Test: December 26-30: MCG, Melbourne, 10.30am AEDT
- Fifth Test: January 4-8: SCG, Sydney, 10.30am AEDT
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