Australia's Cricket Team Announced for the Ashes Test in Perth
The Australian cricket team has unveiled its 15-member squad for the first Ashes Test against England in Perth, with the opening eleven still a mystery. Steve Smith will lead the side, replacing the injured Pat Cummins, with Travis Head as his deputy.
The squad, as announced by the Chairman of Selectors George Bailey, includes a mix of experienced players and newcomers. Three players - batsman Jake Weatherald, bowlers Brendan Doggett, and Sean Abbott - will make their Test debut, with Weatherald potentially opening the batting alongside Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja.
All-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster, who recently returned from back surgery, will join the team, along with wicketkeeper Alex Carey and his reserve, Josh Inglis. The fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood, spinner Nathan Lyon, and seamers Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland complete the squad.
Bailey expressed optimism that Cummins might return later in the series, despite his back injury ruling him out of the initial selection. He praised Weatherald's consistent performance over the past year, describing his style as complementary to the squad's other players.
When asked about the opening eleven, Bailey remained tight-lipped, stating that the team would be finalized closer to the start of the Test on November 21st. Sam Konstas, who opened for Australia in three Test matches in the West Indies, was not selected due to poor domestic cricket performance.
The Ashes series will continue with the second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane from December 4th to 8th, followed by the third Test at Adelaide Oval from December 17th to 21st. The traditional Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground will take place from December 26th to 30th, and the series will conclude at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 4th to 8th.
