Australia’s playing 11 for Perth Test: Australia have officially announced their Playing XI for the opening Ashes Test of 2025 in Perth. With Pat Cummins unavailable, Steve Smith will take over the captaincy, guiding a side that features two fresh faces making their Test debut.
Two Newcomers Step In
Jake Wetherald and Brendon Doggett are set to begin their Test career in this high-stakes Ashes opener. Wetherald, known primarily for his explosive batting in the shorter formats, will take on a new challenge as an opener alongside Usman Khawaja. His aggressive stroke play brings a dynamic edge to the top order.
Brendon Doggett replaces Josh Hazlewood, who withdrew from the first Test. The tall pacer from Toowoomba burst into prominence after an eye-catching Sheffield Shield debut, where he claimed four wickets, including that of Glenn Maxwell. Both debutants bring contrasting skills but share the same challenging task of performing against Ben Stokes’ full-strength England unit.
Strong Batting Core
Australia’s batting looks solid on paper, with performers such as Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green and wicketkeeper Alex Carey. With Wetherald joining this elite group, the lineup appears well-balanced and packed with firepower.
A Possible Bowling Concern
While the batting shows confidence, the bowling attack has notable gaps. Without Cummins and Hazlewood, Australia will rely on the trio of Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and debutant Doggett. Boland has proven himself impervious matches, but Doggett remains an untested commodity at the Test level. Cameron Green will hold responsibility as a genuine all-rounder, contributing both with bat and ball. Spin duties fall to veteran Nathan Lyon, with part-time support from Wetherald.
Australia’s Playing 11 for Perth Test
Usman Khawaja, Jake Wetherald (debut), Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendon Doggett (debut), Scott Boland.
