Labuschagne Returns as Konstas Misses Out: Australia Announces First Ashes Test Squad

Uncapped Jake Weatherald is set to make his test debut in the upcoming Ashes series against England after young opener Sam Konstas was dropped from Australia’s squad. Konstas was left out following a lackluster performance with the bat during the West Indies tour, whereas Weatherald earned his spot by hitting three half-centuries to start the Sheffield Shield season.

Marnus Labuschagne returns to the top order after impressively returning to form with five centuries early in the domestic season.

Selectors chairman George Bailey commented, “We have 14 out of the 15-man squad participating in round four of the Sheffield Shield, so we’re still gathering information. Cameron Green is one to watch as he returns to bowling.”

Despite Mitchell Marsh’s strong performance in white-ball cricket and support from coach and selector Andrew McDonald, he did not make the squad. Steve Smith will lead the team in at least the first test in Perth starting on November 21, filling in for Pat Cummins, who is sidelined with a back injury.

FULL SQUAD

Steve Smith (capt), 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.

Published on November 5, 2025