Jake Weatherald Earns First Ashes Call-Up in Australia‘s 15-Man Squad
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – South Australian opener Jake Weatherald has been named in Australia’s 15-man squad for the first Test of the 2025-26 NRMA Insurance Men’s Ashes series against England, marking his first selection for a Test match against their historic rivals. The announcement comes as Australia prepares to host England,beginning November 21st at Perth Stadium.
The inclusion of Weatherald, alongside a squad captained by Steve Smith in the absence of the injured Pat Cummins, signals a blend of experience and emerging talent as Australia aims to retain the Ashes on home soil. Cummins will join the group in perth and is expected to return later in the series. Josh inglis has been selected as the back-up wicketkeeper and a potential specialist batsman, and will feature in Western Australia’s upcoming Shield match against Queensland.
The squad features a strong batting lineup including Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Travis Head, alongside bowling firepower from Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Josh Hazlewood. Fast bowlers Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott are also included, though are likely to be reserves unless a late injury occurs. Usman Khawaja will be managed and will not participate in the fourth round of the Shield competition.
Australia squad (First Test only): Steve Smith (c), 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.
England squad: Ben Stokes (c), Harry Brook (vc), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Mark wood.
2025-26 NRMA Insurance Men’s Ashes Schedule:
* First Test: November 21-25, Perth Stadium, 1.30pm AEDT
* Second Test: December 4-8, the gabba, Brisbane (D/N), 3.30pm AEDT
* Third Test: December 17-21, Adelaide Oval, 11am AEDT
* Fourth Test: December 26-30, MCG, Melbourne, 10.30am AEDT
* Fifth Test: January 4-8, SCG, Sydney, 10.30am AEDT
