PERTH: Australia have confirmed their playing XI for the first Ashes Test in Perth, with opening batter Jake Weatherald and pace bowler Brendan Doggett set to make their Test debuts on Friday. Stand-in captain Steve Smith announced the team on Thursday, drawing a close to weeks of speculation over the makeup of the top order and the injury-hit bowling attack.
Weatherald’s selection to partner Usman Khawaja at the top signals a fresh direction, especially with incumbent all-rounder Beau Webster missing out due to the return of Cameron Green. The reshuffle allows Marnus Labuschagne to return to his preferred number three position, followed by Smith and Travis Head.
In the bowling department, the absences of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have opened the door for Doggett, while Scott Boland slots in as Cummins’ replacement. Left-arm spearhead Mitchell Starc will lead a pace unit that looks lighter than usual but remains competitive.
Australia team: Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (captain), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett.
