Ashes 2025 opener: Australia unveils line-up for first test

PERTH: On the eve of the much-anticipated opening Test of the Ashes series, Australia has confirmed its playing XI, and it features a pair of fresh faces ready to step onto cricket’s biggest stage.

Captain Steve Smith, who leads Australia into the first Test, announced that Brendon Doggett and Jack Weatherall will make their Test debuts, adding an exciting edge to the squad’s balance.

The top order is anchored by Usman Khawaja, debutant Weatherall, and Marnus Labuschagne, followed by Smith himself at No 4. Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, and Mitchell Starc round out a strong batting core with ample firepower.

Spin stalwart Nathan Lyon returns to lead the attack alongside debutant Doggett and seasoned seamer Scott Boland, giving Australia a mix of experience and raw pace.

With England arriving hungry to reclaim the urn, tomorrow’s opening clash in Perth promises all the intensity, rivalry, and drama that define Ashes cricket.

ASHES 2025 FULL SCHEDULE: SERIES BEGINS FRIDAY

The 2025 Ashes series is set to get underway this Friday, with the first ball bowled in Perth at 10:20 AM local time, 1:20 PM AEDT in Sydney and Melbourne, and just after midday for fans in Brisbane.

This year’s Test lineup comes with a slight reshuffle: Adelaide loses its traditional day-night slot, while the pink ball moves to Brisbane for the second Test. A week’s break between the opening three matches is designed to ease the workload on fast bowlers.

• 1st Test: Perth, 21 November
• 2nd Test: Brisbane (Day-Night), 4 December
• 3rd Test: Adelaide, 17 December
• 4th Test: Melbourne, 26 December
• 5th Test: Sydney, 4 January

If the series ends in a draw, Australia will retain the urn, having held it since their commanding win at home four years ago.

With Australia managing injuries and navigating a transitioning squad, and England eager to break a drought dating back to 2011, this year’s contest is forecast to be the most competitive in more than a decade. And yes, for the Sydney Test… rain is, as always, strongly likely!