Australia’s Ashes squad draws age criticism ahead of England series opener

Australia's Ashes squad draws age criticism ahead of England series opener

Australia's chief selector George Bailey has defended the team's age profile for the first Ashes Test against England, calling for "respect" after criticism over the squad's experience. Only one player under 30-26-year-old all-rounder Cameron Green-was named in the 15-man lineup announced Wednesday for the series opener in Perth, set to begin on 21 November.

Former captain Steve Waugh had earlier suggested Bailey lacked the "appetite" to refresh the side with younger talent. Bailey responded by questioning which veterans critics would exclude, pointing to the strong performances of players like 37-year-old spinner Nathan Lyon and 35-year-old fast bowler Mitchell Starc.

"You've got to give due respect that the guys are performing very well and they have the right to be selected," Bailey said.

Key selections and omissions

Opener Sam Konstas, 20, was notably left out for the second time in 12 months, despite his potential. Bailey acknowledged the scrutiny around Konstas, saying, "At the moment, if he farts it's a headline," but reiterated the selectors' long-term confidence in him.

Marnus Labuschagne, 31, earned a recall, while Jake Weatherald, also 31, received his first call-up after topping the Sheffield Shield run charts last season. Weatherald previously played in England's East Anglia Premier League as recently as 2024.

Captain Pat Cummins, 32, remains sidelined with a back injury but is expected to return for the second Test in Brisbane (4 December). In his absence, Steve Smith-who lost the captaincy in 2018 over the ball-tampering scandal-will lead the side.

Bowling lineup leans on experience

The pace attack will likely feature Starc, 35, Josh Hazlewood, 34, and Scott Boland, 36, with uncapped 33-year-old Sean Abbott and 31-year-old Brendan Doggett as backups. Bailey noted their experience would prevent them from being "overawed" if called upon.

Lyon, the sole specialist spinner at 37, anchors the bowling unit. The squad also includes wicketkeepers Alex Carey and Josh Inglis, alongside all-rounder Beau Webster, whose selection may hinge on Green's fitness.

England's challenge

England, who last won an Ashes series in Australia in 2010-11, will face a team holding the urn. Their 16-man squad includes captain Ben Stokes, pace spearhead Jofra Archer, and rising stars like Gus Atkinson and Shoaib Bashir.

The five-Test series concludes on 8 January. Australia's squad features a mix of seasoned campaigners and limited youth, signaling a conservative approach as they aim to retain the Ashes.

Full squads

Australia: Steve Smith (capt), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.

England: Ben Stokes (capt), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.