With the opening test in the 2025/26 Ashes fast approaching, all the talk has been about Australia's unsettled selection picture. Yet, question marks remain over England's best XI too.
England are keeping the Aussies guessing having named off-spinner Shoaib Bashir in their 12-man squad for the first test alongside five pace bowlers.
It is likely they will still omit Bashir and pick the five seamers including Mark Wood, passed fit for the series opener having bowled a 'rapid' spell in the nets on Tuesday.
On the other side, losing Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood has already thrown a major wrench into Australia’s plans, and the situation deepens with two debutants now set to feature in Perth. Jake Weatherald will open with Usman Khawaja, while Brendan Doggett steps into a weakened bowling attack after Hazlewood’s hamstring injury.
The hosts have also brought Michael Neser into the squad as cover ahead test. Here is a breakdown of the latest team news, predicted lineups and more key details for the first test.
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Australia vs. England First Test lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest
Australia's preparations for the Ashes opener took another hit with Josh Hazlewood ruled out after picking up a hamstring injury, joining captain Pat Cummins on the sidelines. Hazlewood pulled up while playing for NSW in the Sheffield Shield, and although early signs suggested nothing major, further scans confirmed a muscle tear. Michael Neser has been drafted in as cover.
Brendan Doggett now moves from contender to confirmed starter, joining Australia’s attack for his Test debut in Perth. With Pat Cummins out, Scott Boland is also set to step in, backed by a formidable home record: 49 wickets at 12.63 from nine Tests, highlighted by his unforgettable 6 for 7 against England at the MCG in 2021. Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon complete Australia’s four-man bowling unit for the Ashes opener.
At the top of the order, Sam Konstas has been left out after a tough run in the Caribbean, where the 20-year-old failed to reach double figures in four of six innings.
With Australia still searching for stability at the top after David Warner’s retirement, the picture has now cleared. The selectors have backed specialist Jake Weatherald to open with Usman Khawaja, removing the earlier scenarios of shifting Marnus Labuschagne to the top. Labuschagne will stay at three, while Cameron Green slots in below him, pushing Beau Webster out of the XI for the Ashes opener.
From there, the middle order picks itself. Steve Smith, who will captain the side in Cummins' absence, slots in at four, with Travis Head backing him up at five. Beau Webster is a lock at six after bright performances against the West Indies last time out. Alex Carey remains the first-choice wicketkeeper and will slot into the final middle-order position, with Josh Inglis travelling as backup should Australia need to shuffle their options.
Australia confirmed starting XI: Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (C), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (WK), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett
Injured: Josh Hazelwood (hamstring), Pat Cummins (back)
Reserve: Josh Inglis, Michael Neser
England have been handed a major lift ahead of the Ashes opener, with Mark Wood cleared of the hamstring issue that had threatened his involvement. His return is a significant boost for Ben Stokes' side, particularly given the Durham speedster's ability to consistently crank it up past 90mph, something England hope to weaponise against Australia.
There is every chance the tourists unleash an all-out pace assault in Perth, potentially lining up with Wood, Ben Stokes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson as their frontline seamers. If England decide to be cautious with Wood, then Josh Tongue is waiting in the wings as a ready-made replacement. Shoaib Bashir remains the squad's specialist spinner, although Will Jacks may get the nod thanks to his superior batting. Should England go with a full-speed battery, Joe Root would shoulder the part-time spin duties.
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At the top of the order, Ben Duckett continues to churn out runs with his trademark positive, bat-on-ball method, making him arguably England's most reliable all-format player at present. His partner Zak Crawley remains one of the side's great enigmas. When he's in rhythm, his counterattacking strokeplay can make him look untouchable, yet when things go south, he can seem completely adrift.
Then there's Root, who has ticked off every batting milestone imaginable except one: a Test hundred in Australia. He'll walk out at number four in Perth, and England would dearly love to see him extend his purple patch on the biggest stage.
A fully fit and firing Stokes ties it all together. Batting at six with a history of big moments against Australia, and offering match-turning spells with the ball, he remains the heartbeat of this England side.
England supporters have every reason to feel upbeat thanks to the form of Harry Brook, who walked away with Player of the Series award against India and continues to pile on runs for fun. He averaged a solid 40.33 during his maiden Ashes campaign and looks an even more complete batter now.
Jamie Smith has surged into the role of England's first-choice wicketkeeper-batter with astonishing speed. His record speaks for itself, averaging 48.86 and already producing two standout centuries in just 15 Tests. It is little wonder he is being talked about as one of the brightest emerging stars in the England dressing room.
England predicted starting XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook (vice-captain), Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (Wk), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood
Injured: N/A
Reserve: Shoaib Bashir
Australia vs. England First Test match details
- Date: November 21-25, 2025
- Start Time: First ball set for 10:20 a.m. Local time (7:50 a.m. IST)
- Venue: Perth Stadium (Perth, Australia)
- Competition: The Ashes
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