The Ashes 2025-26: Australia include two debutants as they name playing XI for the Perth test

By Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek has a Master's in Journalism and has written more than 50,000 articles. He currently works as a cricket content writer at Khel Now.

Published at :November 20, 2025 at 12:41 PM

Modified at :November 20, 2025 at 12:41 PM

Australia, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

Steve Smith will captain Australia in the first test of The Ashes 2025-26 in Perth.

Australian Cricket Team have announced their playing XI for the first test of The Ashes 2025-26 against England Cricket Team on Thursday, November 20. The encounter will commence on November 21 (Friday) at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

Steve Smith is set to lead the side in the opening game in the absence of Pat Cummins. Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head are crucial members of the middle order. Jake Weatherald will make his international debut in the Perth test and will open the batting with senior batter Usman Khawaja.

Pacer Brendan Doggett will also play his first international game, with Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland leading the team’s pace attack. All-rounder Cameron Green will add more depth to Australia’s bowling as he is fit to bowl after successfully recovering from a low-grade side soreness. Nathan Lyon will have the responsibility of the spin department.

Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett to make international debut in Perth test

Australia playing XI for Perth test: Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (C), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (WK), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland.

HERE WE GO 🤩The Australian XI for the first Ashes Test in Perth 👇 pic.twitter.com/6lXwDZ7hBe
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 20, 2025

Meanwhile, Australia will be without their key pacers in Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. While Cummins was not able to recover in time from his back injury, Hazlewood was ruled out after sustaining hamstring injury while playing in Sheffield Shield 2025-26. Moreover, they will also miss the services of Sean Abbott, who also has been ruled out due to hamstring injury.

Nevertheless, the regular Australian captain Pat Cummins will be with the squad during the Perth test. He is expected to make a comeback in the second game at The Gabba in Brisbane, which is scheduled to commence on December 4. On the other hand, England have already named their 12-member squad for the Perth test and will opt for 11 out of those at the toss.

When and where will the first AUS vs ENG test take place?

The first AUS vs ENG test will take place at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The encounter will begin on November 21.

What is Australia’s playing XI for Perth test?

Australia’s playing XI for Perth test: Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (C), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (WK), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland.

Who will captain Australia in the Perth test?

Steve Smith will captain Australia in the Perth test.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.

Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.