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Australia names 15-player squad for England series opener
Australia has unveiled a 15-member squad for the first Test against England in Perth later this month, though the final playing XI remains unconfirmed, selectors announced Wednesday in Queensland.
Steve Smith will captain the side in place of the injured Pat Cummins, with Travis Head serving as vice-captain. The team features three potential debutants-batsman Jake Weatherald and bowlers Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott-alongside established all-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster.
Selection highlights and debutants
Chairman of selectors George Bailey described the squad as "well-balanced," noting that 14 players will compete in the upcoming Sheffield Shield round, providing further data before the Test begins. Weatherald, a contender to open alongside Usman Khawaja, earned praise for his "solid" performances over the past 18 months and his compatibility with the squad's dynamics.
Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, spinner Nathan Lyon, and seamers Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland complete the bowling attack, while Alex Carey retains his wicketkeeping role with Josh Inglis as backup.
Cummins' injury and squad flexibility
Bailey expressed optimism that Cummins, sidelined by a back injury, could return later in the five-match series. When pressed on the starting XI, Bailey remained noncommittal: "It's the 5th of November; the Test starts on the 21st. We don't need to finalize the lineup until the toss."
Notably absent is Sam Konstas, who opened in three Tests during Australia's July tour of the West Indies but has struggled in domestic cricket this season, surpassing 50 runs just once in seven innings.
Series schedule and England's lineup
The opening Test runs from 21-25 November at Perth's Optus Stadium, followed by matches in Brisbane (4-8 December), Adelaide (17-21 December), Melbourne (26-30 December), and Sydney (4-8 January). England previously named a 16-player squad in September, with Ben Stokes as captain and Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley as opening batters.
"The squad gives us good balance, and with most players active in the Shield, we'll keep assessing before locking in the XI."
George Bailey, Chairman of Selectors
