Australia Names Squad for Ashes Series, Labuschagne Returns

Australia has announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming Ashes Test series against England, marking the return of right-handed batsman Marnus Labuschagne. After being sidelined during the three-match Test series against the West Indies, Labuschagne is back in form, having recently scored a century in List A cricket, accumulating 101 runs from 111 balls against New South Wales in Sydney.

In addition to Labuschagne, the squad features opening batsman Jake Weatherald, who could make his Test debut in November. Weatherald was the top scorer in the Sheffield Shield last summer, amassing 906 runs at an average of 50.33. He has also demonstrated his potential by scoring a century for Australia A against Sri Lanka A earlier this year. Weatherald’s selection comes at the expense of Matt Renshaw and Sam Konstas, depending on the choice of the opening partner for Usman Khawaja.

The squad will be without fast bowler Pat Cummins, who is still recovering from a lower back injury. In his absence, Steve Smith will take on the leadership role. The pace attack is expected to include Scott Boland, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, with uncapped players Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott also included as fast bowling options.

All-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster round out the squad. The Australian players have been actively participating in first-class cricket or competing in one-day internationals and Twenty20 matches against India to prepare for the Ashes. The selectors will closely monitor Green’s fitness and effectiveness as he looks to contribute to the pace attack in the upcoming domestic competition.

The England squad, led by Ben Stokes, will face Australia in the first Test match of the series scheduled to begin on November 21 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

Australia’s squad for the Ashes series: 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.

The anticipation for the Ashes series is high, with both teams eager to showcase their skills on the international stage.