Marnus Labuschagne Returns to Australia's Ashes Test Lineup
Marnus Labuschagne is back in the Test squad for the Ashes series, marking a key change in Australia's lineup. Jake Weatherald has secured his spot in the 15-member Australian squad for the opening Ashes Test in Perth.
New Inclusions and Squad Overview
The selectors have introduced two uncapped players, Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett, to the lineup. Weatherald, 31, earned his first Test call-up after a stellar Sheffield Shield season, scoring 906 runs in 18 innings with an average of 50.33 for Tasmania.
Australia’s First Test Squad:
- Steve Smith (captain)
- 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
Squad Changes and Captaincy
Sam Konstas, 20, has been dropped following a poor performance on the West Indies tour, where he scored only 50 runs in six innings, including two ducks. Matthew Renshaw and Mitchell Marsh have also been excluded from the opening Ashes Test squad.
"Steve Smith will captain the side in Perth, as Pat Cummins is sidelined with a persistent back stress injury sustained in July in the Caribbean."
With Weatherald likely to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order, Australia's lineup aims to build a strong foundation for the Test series.
Author's summary: Marnus Labuschagne returns to the Test squad while new players and strategic changes shape Australia's lineup for a competitive Ashes series in Perth.