Sydney, November 5 (Udaipur Kiran) — Cricket Australia on Tuesday announced its squad for the first Ashes Test against England, starting November 21, with Steve Smith set to lead the side in place of Pat Cummins, who has been ruled out due to injury. The selectors also handed a surprise maiden call-up to Jake Weatherald, marking his first inclusion in the national Test team
The decision to rest Cummins for the opener had been anticipated, and Smith will step in as stand-in captain for the series opener. The selectors made a few notable changes to the squad, including recalling Marnus Labuschagne and dropping Sam Konstas, who failed to make an impact in recent matches despite multiple opportunities.
The left-handed Weatherald, who has been rewarded for his consistent form in domestic cricket, is expected to make his Test debut in Brisbane. He has played 76 first-class matches, amassing over 5,000 runs in red-ball cricket. If Labuschagne does not open, Weatherald is likely to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order.
In the bowling department, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starck, and Scott Boland will lead the pace attack in Cummins’ absence, while Nathan Lyon will handle the spin duties.
Announcing the squad, Australia’s Chief Selector George Bailey said that 14 of the named players will also feature in the upcoming Sheffield Shield matches to maintain match readiness ahead of the Ashes opener. Bailey added that Cummins is expected to return for the second Test, scheduled to begin on December 4 at the Gabba.
Australia’s squad for the first Ashes Test:
Steve Smith (Captain), 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.
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