Jake Weatherald has been included in the 15-member Australia squad for the upcoming Ashes test, which is set to begin in the third week of November.
On the other hand, Marnus Labuschagne has been recalled to the squad after his start to the Sheffield Shield season, with him and Weatherald now in the mix to take on the new ball along with Usman Khawaja.
However, Sam Konstas has been left out of the squad after his poor performance in Australia’s last test campaign in the Caribbean.
With Matt Renshaw and Mitch Marsh missing the selection, the chief selectors have only picked a squad for the first of five tests.
The chief selector, George Bailey, has indicated that they are exploring the combinations for the playing 11, and they are set to decide after another round of the Sheffield Shield.
“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,” said George Bailey.
Jake Weatherald had an impressive campaign with the Sheffield Shield last summer, with 906 runs at 50.33.
On the other hand, Cameron Green, who plays at No.3, he sent down in the lineup after his back surgery. A return to bowling in international cricket during the ODI series in India’s tour of Australia 2025 was nixed by a side complaint.
Fast bowlers Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott are likely to lead the role barring a late injury to one of Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland or Josh Hazlewood.
The first match will be played between November 21 and 25 at Optus Stadium.
Australia Squad: 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
