Sam Konstas axed as Australia announces strong squad for first Ashes Test

Cricket Australia announced a strong 15-member squad for the upcoming first Ashes Test, scheduled to start on Friday, November 21, at Perth Stadium. Chief selector George Bailey has confirmed that Steve Smith will lead the squad in Pat Cummins’ absence.

Uncapped Tasmania batter Jake Weatherald has been named in the squad with top-order batter Marnus Labuschagne recalled after his excellent start to the Sheffield Shield season. Opening batter Sam Konstas has been axed from the squad after scoring 3, 5, 25, 0, 17, and 0 in Australia's last Test series in the West Indies.

Alex Carey will be the designated keeper-batter choice, and Josh Inglis is also in the squad as the backup keeper. Uncapped fast bowlers Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott are also part of the squad.

"The squad gives us good balance and, with 14 of those chosen playing the next round of Sheffield Shield, we will continue to gather information as we move closer to the start of the first Test," Chief Selector George Bailey said in a statement.

The second Test will commence on December 4, while the third, fourth and fifth Tests will be played, starting on December 17, 26 and January 4 respectively. 

Ashes 2025-26 schedule

First Test: November 21-25, Perth Stadium

Second Test: December 4-8, The Gabba, Brisbane (D/N)

Third Test: December 17-21: Adelaide Oval

Fourth Test: December 26-30: MCG, Melbourne

Fifth Test: January 4-8: SCG, Sydney

Australia squad: (First Test only): Steve Smith (c), 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.

England squad: Ben Stokes (c), Harry Brook (vc), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.

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