Australia announces squad for Ashes 1st Test:Steve Smith to captain, Marnus Labuschagne returns, Sam Konstas dropped

Australia has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming Ashes series against England. The first match will be played in Perth on November 21. Following that, this five-Test series will travel from Perth to Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. Marnus Labuschagne has returned to the team. He was not selected in the recent three-match series against West Indies, but he has performed brilliantly in first-class cricket and is now part of the team again. Meanwhile, Jake Weatherald has been included in the team. He can play as an opening batsman for the team, and this could also be his Test debut. Weatherald scored the most runs in the last Sheffield Shield season and also played a century innings for Australia A against Sri Lanka A. Steve Smith to captain Australia
Steve Smith has been appointed captain in place of the injured Pat Cummins for the first Test match. The fast bowlers include Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland. Additionally, Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott are also fast bowling options. Cameron Green in a racing against time
All-rounders Beau Webster and Cameron Green are included in the team. Green’s fitness and bowling ability will be assessed before the first Test. Selector George Bailey said that 14 out of 15 players are playing in the Sheffield Shield, and their form will be observed. Sam Konstas dropped
Young opening batsman Sam Konstas, who clashed with Virat Kohli in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has been dropped. During the Boxing Day Test in 2024, Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee and given one demerit point for his controversial shove.
Australia’s full squad:
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.