Opening batter Jake Weatherald and pacer Brendan Doggett will make their Test debuts as Australia announced their playing XI for the first Ashes Test against England, starting in Perth on November 21.
This will be the first Ashes Test since 2011, when two debutants will feature in an Australian XI. Weatherald’s partner on debut, Usman Khawaja, and Michal Beer debuted in the Sydney Test of the 2010-11 series. Overall, it is the first time since 2019 that Australia have named two debutants in a Test match.
Marnus Labuschagne, who was not picked for the West Indies tour, was also picked in the playing XI along with Cameron Green. Beau Webster, who played against India in the previous summer, was omitted from the playing XI.
Steve Smith will lead the side in the opening Test in the absence of Pat Cummins. Australia will also be without Josh Hazlewood, who suffered a hamstring injury while playing a Sheffield Shield match against Victoria.
Mitchell Starc said before the first Test that while both Cummins and Hazlewood were ruled out of the match, the inclusion of Doggett and Michael Neser in the reserve reflected the depth in Australia’s fast bowling.
“Sadly, injuries in fast bowling happen. It’s good to see the depth in the squad. We know what Scotty can do, ‘Doggy’ (Doggett) is coming off a hot streak, and ‘Ness’ (reserve quick Michael Neser) has been around for a while now.”
“I think we’re all pretty clear on what our roles are. Obviously, I’ve got a little bit more experience there (but) Scotty’s been around for a fair while now, so it’s not like I’m telling him what to do,” the left-arm pacer said.
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Australia’s playing XI for first Ashes Test: Jake Weatherald, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett and Scott Boland
