Australia announce 15-member squad for 1st Ashes Test, drop young opener for uncapped player

Australia have made some significant changes to their squad for the first Test of the Ashes that is set to begin from November 21 at the Optus stadium in Perth. They have decided to bring in the uncapped Jake Weatherald for 20-year-old opener Sam Konstas and have also brought back Marnus Labuschagne after he was dropped for the three-match Test series against West Indies in June. Steve Smith will be the one leading the team as Pat Cummins has still not fully recovered from his lumbar stress injury and will miss the first Test.

Weatherald impresses at domestic circuit

Weatherald, who has been impressive for Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield has been given a chance in the team. The left-hand batter has recorded three 50+ scores in his last six innings. On the other hand, Konstas has been dropped after disappointing at the domestic circuit for the New South Wales. The 20-year-old will be hoping to make a return to the squad as the series progresses.

Meanwhile, Labuschagne has been in scintillating form at the domestic circuit. The batter recently scored his fifth century of the season for Queensland from just eight innings and has been dominant in both the Sheffield Shield and One-Day Cup. He will be looking to maintain that form against England in what will be a crucial series.

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On the other hand, all-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster have both been included in the 15-member, but it is likely that only one out of the two will be playing in the same playing XI as they have done in the Baggy Greens' last four Tests.

Australia's lethal bowling attack

The hosts have opted to go for a formidable bowling attack consisting of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon. Though Cummins' absence is a big blow for them, their current bowlers very much have the ability to clinch all 20 wickets in the match. Both Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott have been kept as the reserve bowlers in the squad while Josh Inglis has been included as the reserve wicketkeeper for Alex Carey. It remains to be seen if thus Australian team will be able to make a positive start to the Ashes or not.

Australia's squad for 1st Ashes Test: Steven Smith (capt), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.