The biggest Test rivalry in world cricket is back, and Perth is adding its own drama. A one-month-old drop-in pitch, unseasonal weather, and two blistering pace attacks have set up a high-voltage start to the Ashes. Both sides enter the first Test with bold selections, fresh faces, and huge tactical dilemmas.
Australia begin the series with major changes. While they unveil two debutants, they will also be without key quicks Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood for the opener. England, on the other hand, have again pushed the debate of an all-pace attack to the forefront, especially with a surface expected to offer serious bounce.
Weatherald & Doggett to debut in Ashes opener
Australian cricket is set for a rare moment: two debutants in an Ashes Test for the first time since the 2010-11 series. Jake Weatherald is set to partner Usman Khawaja at the top, becoming his sixth opening partner since David Warner’s retirement. Weatherald’s Shield form and strong build-up in Perth clinched his spot.
Marnus Labuschagne returns to No. 3, while Steven Smith captains a middle order featuring Travis Head and Cameron Green—who moves back to No. 6 now that he is fully fit to bowl again. That fitness played a major role in selectors backing a balanced attack of four frontline quicks plus Nathan Lyon.
Brendan Doggett replaces the injured Hazlewood and comes in with an impressive 13 wickets at 14.69 this season. His inclusion means Australia will field two Indigenous players in a Test XI for the first time, with Scott Boland the other. Mitchell Starc, Boland, and Lyon complete the bowling unit, with Alex Carey keeping wickets.
Predicted Australia XI:
Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett
Bench: Beau Webster, Michael Neser, Josh Inglis
England count on Archer–Wood pace combo
England have named a 12 but are keeping the final call under wraps. Mark Wood has recovered from hamstring concerns and bowled with high intensity in the nets, making him almost certain to feature. That alone has revived the discussion around going all-pace—a strategy England have rarely used in Australia, last seen in 1998.
Shoaib Bashir is England’s spin option, but his lacklustre 1/68 in a recent Lions match weakens his case, especially on the fastest wicket in the country. Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum may instead unleash Jofra Archer, Wood, Gus Atkinson, and Brydon Carse together, with Stokes providing support.
England’s batting unit looks settled, led by Joe Root, Ollie Pope, Ben Duckett, and Zak Crawley. Harry Brook slots in at No. 5, while Jamie Smith will take the gloves for the series opener.
Predicted England XI:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood
Bench: Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue