Australia have announced a surprising playing XI for the opening Ashes Test in Perth, revealing two fresh faces who will make their Test debuts. Fast bowler Brendan Doggett and top-order batter Jake Weatherald are set to earn their maiden caps, signalling a major shake-up ahead of a series that promises high drama. The notable omission is seam-bowling all-rounder Beau Webster, who has been dropped despite strong recent performances. The curtain-raiser to the Ashes series is scheduled for tomorrow.
Selectors expressed relief at the return of Cameron Green as a fully fit bowling option. With captain Pat Cummins and veteran paceman Josh Hazlewood unavailable, there had been fears that Australia might require an additional bowler to cover the gap. Green’s inclusion ensures a potent four-man pace attack, featuring Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Cameron Green, and debutant Brendan Doggett.
Marnus Labuschagne will continue in his preferred No. 3 position, carrying his excellent domestic form into the Test arena. Perth’s fast, bouncy conditions make the inclusion of experienced off-spinner Nathan Lyon vital for control and guidance in the middle overs.
This match marks the first time since 2019 that two Australians are debuting in the same Test. However, the last double debut in the Ashes occurred during the 2010–11 series at the Sydney Cricket Ground, when Usman Khawaja and Michael Beer were awarded caps.
For Doggett, the occasion carries special significance. Replacing the injured Hazlewood, the 31-year-old joins Travis Head as one of two Indigenous players in an Australian Test XI for the first time. Doggett has impressed domestically since returning from a hamstring injury, claiming 13 wickets at an astonishing average of 14.69 this season.
Weatherald, also 31, will partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order, filling the void left by David Warner’s retirement. He participated in shadow batting and optional training sessions this morning as he prepared for his long-awaited Test debut.
Dropping Beau Webster has raised eyebrows. Since debuting earlier this year against India, Webster has scored four half-centuries in just seven Tests, often under challenging conditions. Last week, he took eight wickets for Tasmania against South Australia, yet still misses out on the Perth XI.
Australia have also tweaked the batting order slightly, restoring Cameron Green to No. 6, a move intended to strengthen the middle order and provide greater balance to the side.