With the opening test in the 2025/26 Ashes fast approaching, all the talk is about Australia's unsettled selection picture.
Losing two premier quicks in Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood has thrown a major wrench into Australia's plans, especially with Cummins sidelined as captain. Their absence will no doubt make England view the Aussie pace attack through a very different lens.
On the other side, England received a timely lift as Mark Wood was passed fit for the series opener. Meanwhile, Australia have brought Michael Neser into the squad as cover ahead of the Perth 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.
The uncapped Brendan Doggett now appears the front-runner to step into the XI, while Scott Boland is almost locked in to replace Cummins. Boland's record on home soil speaks for itself, with 49 wickets at an average of 12.63 from just nine Tests, including that unforgettable 6 for 7 against England at the MCG in 2021. Alongside him, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon will round out Australia’s four-man attack.
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 cycling through makeshift openers since David Warner's retirement, the selectors have named specialist Jake Weatherald, but the more realistic scenario sees Marnus Labuschagne partnering Usman Khawaja. The good news for Australia is that Cameron Green is fit and available as the all-rounder.
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 predicted starting XI: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith (C), Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (Wk), Mitchell Starc, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon
Injured: Josh Hazelwood (hamstring), Pat Cummins (back)
Reserve: Josh Inglis, Michael Neser, Jake Weatherald
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.
READ MORE: Joe Root's batting record in Australia
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, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Josh Tongue
Australia vs. England First Test match details
- Date: November 21-25, 2025
- Start Time: First ball set for 10:20 a.m. Local time (1:20 p.m. AEDT; 2:20 a.m. GMT)
- Venue: Perth Stadium (Perth, Australia)
- Competition: The Ashes
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