### Australia Prepares for Ashes 2025-26: Marnus Labuschagne and Jake Weatherald Make the Cut Australia has announced its squad for the first Test of the highly anticipated Ashes series against England, set to take place in Perth. The selection has seen the return of Marnus Labuschagne, who has been in impressive form in domestic cricket, alongside newcomer Jake Weatherald, who is poised to make his international debut. This decision comes as a significant change, with Sam Konstas being dropped from the squad. The match is scheduled for November 21, 2025, and will kick off a five-match Test series across various Australian cities. ### Breakdown of the Squad Announcement 1. **Key Players and Leadership**: - Steve Smith will captain the Australian team in the absence of Pat Cummins, who is sidelined due to injury [https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/steve-smith-captain-marnus-labuschagne-returns-australia-announce-squad-for-ashes-2025/26-first-test-article-153103580]. - Marnus Labuschagne's return is notable after he missed the recent series against the West Indies [https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/marnus-labuschagne-returns-for-first-ashes-test-but-sam-konstas-misses-out-in-steve-smith-led-15-man-squad-101762325757659.html]. 2. **New Faces**: - Jake Weatherald, aged 31, has earned his first national call-up, joining Labuschagne as one of the key additions to the squad [https://www.latestly.com/socially/sports/cricket/australia-squad-for-aus-vs-eng-1st-ashes-2025-26-test-announced-steve-smith-named-captain-jake-weatherald-earns-maiden-national-call-up-7191876.html]. - The squad includes three uncapped players: Weatherald, Sean Abbott, and Brendan Doggett [https://www.thetimes.com/sport/cricket/article/marnus-labuschagne-named-australia-ashes-squad-rc0mfptzv]. 3. **Strategic Changes**: - The decision to drop Sam Konstas reflects a strategic shift in the batting order, with Labuschagne expected to take a leading role at the top of the order [https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/marnus-labuschagne-australia-tasmania-pat-cummins-cameron-green-b2858761.html]. - The selectors have made it clear that they are looking for a strong performance against England, emphasizing the importance of experience and form in their choices [https://www.cricketaddictor.com/cricket-news/australia-squad-for-ashes-2025-26-announced-with-massive-surprises-marnus-labuschagne-returns-281564]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Squad Composition**: - The Australian squad for the first Test includes 15 players, with a mix of experienced and new talent. - Key players: Steve Smith (captain), Marnus Labuschagne, Jake Weatherald. - Notable absences: Pat Cummins (injured), Sam Konstas (dropped). - **Performance Metrics**: - Marnus Labuschagne has shown strong domestic performance, which contributed to his recall [https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/marnus-labuschagne-returns-for-first-ashes-test-but-sam-konstas-misses-out-in-steve-smith-led-15-man-squad-101762325757659.html]. - Jake Weatherald's inclusion is seen as a surprise, indicating selectors' confidence in his potential [https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12123/13463716/the-ashes-australia-recall-marnus-labuschagne-and-include-jake-weatherald-in-squad-for-first-test-in-perth]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for Australia in the Ashes In summary, **Australia's squad for the first Ashes Test reflects a blend of experience and fresh talent**, with Marnus Labuschagne's return and Jake Weatherald's debut being the highlights. The leadership of Steve Smith will be crucial as the team aims to reclaim the Ashes against a formidable England side. The strategic decisions made by selectors, particularly the dropping of Sam Konstas, underscore the importance of form and experience in high-stakes matches. 1. **Leadership**: Steve Smith steps in as captain due to Cummins' injury. 2. **Key Returns**: Labuschagne returns after strong domestic performances. 3. **New Talent**: Weatherald earns his first national call-up, adding depth to the squad. 4. **Strategic Decisions**: The dropping of Konstas indicates a shift in batting strategy. The first Test is set to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to establish dominance early in the series [https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/sports/cricket/news/australia-announces-squad-for-ashes-1st-test-steve-smith-to-captain-marnus-labuschagne-returns-136340290.html].