Marnus Labuschagne Returns to Australia’s Ashes Test Squad
Marnus Labuschagne is back in Australia’s Test lineup for the upcoming Ashes series, joining a refreshed squad ahead of the opening match in Perth.
New Faces and Changes in the Squad
Jake Weatherald has secured his spot in the 15-member Australian squad after an impressive Sheffield Shield season. At 31, Weatherald scored 906 runs in 18 innings for Tasmania, boasting an average of 50.33. He is expected to open alongside Usman Khawaja, replacing Sam Konstas, who was dropped following a poor performance during the West Indies tour.
- Two uncapped players, Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett, have also been included.
- Matthew Renshaw and Mitchell Marsh have been omitted from the squad.
Squad for First Ashes Test in Perth
- Steve Smith (captain)
- 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
Captaincy and Injury Updates
“Steve Smith will captain the side in Perth, with regular skipper Pat Cummins ruled out due to a lingering back stress injury sustained in the Caribbean in July.”
The 20-year-old Sam Konstas was dropped after scoring just 50 runs over six innings, including two ducks, on the West Indies tour.
Summary
The Ashes squad blends experience with fresh talent, bolstered by Labuschagne’s return and Weatherald’s strong form, while key players face injury setbacks and omissions.
Would you like the summary to be more formal or conversational?