Ashes 2025: Australia announce squad for first Test, Steve Smith captain

By Akshay - Nov 05, 2025 01:17 PM
Last updated on Nov 05, 2025 01:18 PM

Australia's 15-man squad for the Ashes 2025: Australia has announced its 15-man squad for the first Ashes Test against England. Several major changes have been made to the team, including the omission of Sam Constas. In his place, Tasmanian opener Jake Weatherald has been included in the international Test squad for the first time.

Ashes 2025: Australia announces squad for first Ashes Test

Sam Constas had a poor performance in the recent series against the West Indies. He scored 3, 5, 25, 0, 17, and 0 runs in six innings, respectively. These performances were not enough to keep him in the team, so the selectors dropped him from the squad.

Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne, who was omitted from the West Indies tour earlier this year, has returned to excellent form. He scored a lot of runs for Queensland in the home series, almost guaranteeing his return to the playing XI for the first Ashes Test.

Steve Smith to replace Pat Cummins as captain:

Australia's regular captain, Pat Cummins, will miss the first Test due to a back injury, but he is expected to be fit and back for the second Test. Consequently, Steve Smith will captain the Kangaroos in the first Ashes Test.

What did George Bailey say?

Chairman of the selection committee, George Bailey, stated that the final eleven and batting order have not yet been finalized. He further stated that Labuschagne can bat at any number.

Bailey stated that the team's balance is good and that 14 of the 15 players are playing in the Sheffield Shield, so more information will be available before the start of the first Test.

Regarding Cummins' fitness, Bailey said he expects him to return for the second Test. If that doesn't happen, he is expected to return by the third Test.

The Australian team selected for the first Ashes Test, starting with the 2025 Ashes, includes new opening batsman Jake Weatherald, along with Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott as backup pacers. It's worth noting that after the 2023 home Ashes series ended in a 2-2 draw, England hasn't won in Australia since 2010-2011.

When will the 2025 Ashes begin?

The 2025-26 Ashes will begin on November 21, 2025, with the first Test between Australia and England in Perth. It's worth noting that for the first time since 1982-83, the first match of the series will be played in Perth instead of Brisbane. This time, England is touring Australia. Last season, when Australia toured England, the series ended in a 2-2 draw.

Ashes 2025 Schedule -

• First Test - Perth - November 21-25
• Second Test - Brisbane - December 4-8, 2025
• Third Test - Adelaide - December 17-21, 2025
• Fourth Test - Sydney - January 4-8, 2025

Australia's 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, and Beau Webster.

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