The Ashes 2025-26: Sam Konstas dropped as Australia name 15-man squad for the Perth test

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

Australian Cricket Team have announced their squad for the first test of The Ashes 2025-26 against England Cricket Team, scheduled to begin on November 21 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Cricket Australia (CA) has named a 15-man squad for the opening game, which will be led by Steve Smith in the absence of injured Pat Cummins.

The Australian captain is recovering from a back injury and has been ruled out of the opening game. Batter Jake Weatherald has earned his maiden international call-up, while Sam Konstas has been dropped following his poor performance in Australia’s last campaign against the West Indies earlier this year. Weatherald is also expected to earn a spot in the playing XI in the Perth test.

On the other hand, Matthew Renshaw and Mitchell Marsh have been overlooked by the selectors. Marnus Labuschagne has been recalled to the test side following his impressive form in the Sheffield Shield 2025-26. He was not part of Australia’s last test series against the West Indies. Josh Inglis has been picked in the squad as a backup wicket-keeper.

All-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster have been named in the squad, however, it remains to be seen if both will play together in the playing XI. Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon are expected to lead Australia’s bowling attack in the opening game. Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott are the other two pacers in the squad, however, they are less likely to be part of the playing XI in the Perth test.

Australia squad for the first test of The Ashes 2025-26

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.

Although Cummins will not be part of the opening game, he is expected to return later in the series. Australia and England will clash in five tests during The Ashes 2025-26, with the last game scheduled to be played in Sydney from January 4-8, 2026.

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