Home / Sports / Uncapped Opener Weatherald Joins Australia's Ashes Squad, Smith to Captain
Uncapped Opener Weatherald Joins Australia's Ashes Squad, Smith to Captain
5 Nov
Summary
- Uncapped opener Jake Weatherald named in Australia's Ashes squad
- Steve Smith to captain in Pat Cummins' absence
- Cameron Green's bowling fitness a key consideration for team selection
On November 5, 2025, Australia announced their 15-man squad for the first Ashes Test against England, set to begin on November 21 in Perth. The squad includes uncapped opener Jake Weatherald, who could become Usman Khawaja's sixth opening partner since David Warner's retirement last year.
Additionally, Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott have been included as backup fast bowlers, with regular captain Pat Cummins sidelined due to a lower back injury. In Cummins' absence, Steve Smith will lead the team as captain.
The fitness of all-rounder Cameron Green remains a key consideration for the team's final lineup. If Green can bowl sufficient overs, he is likely to bat at number six, with Weatherald opening and Marnus Labuschagne at number three. Alternatively, the team may position Labuschagne to open with Khawaja, moving Green to number three and Beau Webster to sixth position if Green's bowling remains limited.
Chief selector George Bailey has not confirmed Weatherald's place in the starting eleven, stating that the team still has some information to gather from the ongoing Sheffield Shield matches.
