When Steve Smith stepped up to name Australia’s XI for the first Ashes Test Perth Stadium on Friday, November 21, 2025, he didn’t just announce a team—he unveiled a generational shift. Two debutants, opener Jake Weatherald and fast bowler Brendan Doggett, were handed their Test caps, while veteran Marnus Labuschagne returned from the wilderness. The twist? Australia’s regular captain, Pat Cummins, and pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood are both sidelined with injuries, leaving Smith to lead a side reshaped by misfortune and opportunity.
The Injury Crisis That Changed Everything
The absence of Cummins and Hazlewood isn’t just a blow—it’s a seismic shift. Cummins, who’s been Australia’s rock since 2021, missed the entire domestic summer with a stress fracture. Hazlewood, still one of the most consistent swing bowlers in the world, pulled up sore during a net session just days before selection. Their absence forced selectors to gamble on youth. Beau Webster, who impressed in the Sheffield Shield last season, was the odd man out. Smith called it "a really tough one on him," acknowledging the emotional toll. "He came into international cricket and lit it up immediately," Smith said. "But cricket’s a cruel game sometimes." Meanwhile, Brendan Doggett, 27, has been on the fringes for years—touring India in 2023, warming benches in Sydney and Melbourne. Now, he’s in the XI. "He’s improved a hell of a lot the last few years," Smith added. "Very skilful. I’m excited to see him go about his business."England’s All-Seam Gambit
Across the aisle, Ben Stokes has thrown caution to the wind. England’s 12-man squad features four genuine fast bowlers: Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Gus Atkinson. Wood, who missed the warm-up match with a tight hamstring, bowled at 148 km/h in nets on Tuesday, November 19, 2025, and is now cleared to play. That’s a game-changer. The pitch at Perth Stadium in Burswood has historically rewarded pace—fast, bouncy, and often unpredictable. England’s decision to carry only one spinner—Shoaib Bashir—signals they’re banking on raw speed to dismantle Australia’s top order. Ollie Pope’s form in the warm-up (100 and 90) earned him the No. 3 spot over Jacob Bethell, while the likes of Josh Tongue and Will Jacks were left out. "We’re not here to play safe," said Stokes. "We’re here to win. And if that means bowling 100 overs with seamers, so be it."Australia’s New Look Lineup
Australia’s XI reads like a mixtape of experience and raw potential:- Jake Weatherald (debutant opener)
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne (recall)
- Steve Smith (captain)
- Travis Head
- Cameron Green
- Alex Carey (wicketkeeper)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Brendan Doggett (debutant)
- Scott Boland
Why This Test Matters More Than Ever
This isn’t just another Ashes opener. England hasn’t won an away Ashes series since 2010-11. Their last Test victory on Australian soil? That was in 2019, in Sydney. Australia, meanwhile, has dominated the last three series, winning 4-1 in 2019, 4-0 in 2021, and 4-0 in 2023. But this time, the home side is vulnerable. No Cummins. No Hazlewood. Two debutants. A captain playing his first Test as skipper since 2018. The International Cricket Council (ICC), headquartered in Dubai, has this series as a key part of the ICC World Test Championship. Points here could decide who reaches the final in 2027. For England, it’s about legacy. For Australia, it’s about proving depth isn’t just a buzzword.What’s Next?
The five-match series rolls on:- First Test Perth Stadium — Nov 21–25, 2025
- Second Test The Gabba — Dec 4–8, 2025
- Third Test Adelaide Oval — Dec 17–21, 2025
- Fourth Test Melbourne Cricket Ground — Dec 25–29, 2025
- Fifth Test Sydney Cricket Ground — Jan 4–8, 2026
Behind the Scenes: The Ponting Prediction
It wasn’t a guess. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, speaking on The ICC Review earlier in the week, specifically named Weatherald and Doggett as likely inclusions. "Weatherald’s got the technique for Perth,” he said. "And Doggett? He’s got that extra gear. The kind you can’t coach."Frequently Asked Questions
How does this affect Australia’s chances in the Ashes series?
Australia’s chances are more uncertain than in recent cycles. Losing Cummins and Hazlewood removes two of their most consistent wicket-takers, and the debutants lack Test experience. But the Perth pitch favors pace, and with Starc, Boland, and Doggett, Australia still has a potent attack. If Weatherald and Labuschagne fire with the bat, they can still win the series—but it won’t be easy.
Why did England pick only one spinner?
Perth Stadium’s pitch is notoriously fast and bouncy, with minimal turn. England’s coaching staff, led by Brendon McCullum, believes seamers can exploit the conditions better than spinners. Shoaib Bashir is a capable off-spinner, but he’s a backup. The plan is to overwhelm Australia’s top order with pace, especially early in the match.
What’s the significance of two debutants in the same Test?
Australia last named two debutants in the same Test during the 2019 Ashes in Sydney. Before that, you have to go back to 2011 in Perth. It’s rare—especially in a high-stakes series like the Ashes. It signals a major shift in selection policy, prioritizing form and potential over experience. The pressure on Weatherald and Doggett is immense, but so is the reward.
Who stands to benefit most from Cummins’ absence?
Steve Smith, as captain, gets to shape the team his way—something he hasn’t done since 2018. Cameron Green also benefits, moving up the order to No. 6 and likely taking on more responsibility. And Scott Boland, now the senior seamer, has a chance to re-establish himself as Australia’s go-to strike bowler in the absence of Hazlewood.
Is Mark Wood fit enough to play a full Test?
England’s medical team has cleared him after he bowled at 148 km/h in nets on November 19, 2025. But his history of injuries—hamstring, stress fractures, back issues—is a concern. He’ll likely be managed carefully, perhaps bowling in short spells. If he stays fit, he’s England’s most dangerous weapon. If he breaks down, their entire strategy collapses.
How does this impact the ICC World Test Championship standings?
Australia currently leads the WTC table, but a loss here could open the door for India, South Africa, or England to close the gap. England needs points badly—they’re sixth in the standings. A win in Perth would be their first away Ashes Test victory in 14 years and could propel them into the top four. Points here could define their 2027 final chances.
