Win Projections to be updated soon
Gold Coast, 5 November 2025:
Australia chairman of selectors George Bailey announced a 15-member squad on Wednesday for the first Ashes Test against England, confirming Steve Smith will captain the side in the absence of injured regular skipper Pat Cummins.
The opening match of the five-Test series begins November 21 in Perth. Cummins, who continues to recover from a minor injury, is expected to rejoin the squad later in the series.
Bailey said the decision to hand Smith the captaincy was straightforward, given his experience and leadership within the group. “Pat will be around the squad and play an important role behind the scenes,” Bailey said. “He remains our leader, and Steve will step in seamlessly for the first Test.”
The 15-player squad includes Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster, both rewarded for consistent domestic form. Bailey praised Weatherald’s inclusion, describing the left-hander’s recent performances as “solid and methodical.”
“He scores at a good rate and builds his innings in a way that complements those around him,” Bailey said. “We’ll finalise the XI closer to the match once we get more information from this round of Sheffield Shield.”
All-rounder Cameron Green is expected to resume bowling after a gradual build-up in recent weeks. Bailey said the selectors were encouraged by his progress, noting he is “nearing the volume we need from our all-rounder.”
Bailey confirmed that 14 of the 15 squad members are currently involved in Shield matches, calling it an ideal preparation period ahead of the series. “It’s been pleasing to see so many players performing and scoring runs,” he said.
Australia squad for first Ashes Test:
Steve Smith (NSW/Sutherland Cricket Club) (captain), Sean Abbott (NSW/Parramatta District Cricket Club), Scott Boland (VIC/Frankston Peninsula Cricket Club), Alex Carey (SA/Glenelg Cricket Club), Brendan Doggett (SA/Glenelg Cricket Club), Cameron Green (WA/Subiaco-Floreat Cricket Club), Josh Hazlewood (NSW/St George Cricket Club), Travis Head (SA/Tea Tree Gully Cricket Club), Josh Inglis (WA/Joondalup Cricket Club), Usman Khawaja (QLD/Valley District Cricket Club), Marnus Labuschagne (QLD/Redlands Cricket Club), Nathan Lyon (NSW/Northern District Cricket Club), Mitchell Starc (NSW/Manly Warringah Cricket Club), Jake Weatherald (TAS/Kingborough Cricket Club), Beau Webster (TAS/Kingborough Cricket Club).
