Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett are set to make their debuts for Australia in the opening Ashes Test in Perth. This marks the first time since January 2019 that two new baggy green caps have been introduced before a Test match.
Steve Smith, acting as captain due to Pat Cummins’ injury, unveiled the team lineup at a press conference on the eve of the match. This announcement cleared up months of speculation regarding Australia’s opening partnership.
Weatherald, who will partner with Usman Khawaja at the top of the order, earned his place due to Cameron Green’s recovery from injury, leading to the exclusion of Beau Webster, an all-rounder with seven Tests under his belt. Marnus Labuschagne will shift from opening to his preferred number three position, followed by Smith and Travis Head.
With Josh Hazlewood sidelined, Doggett will step into the pace attack alongside Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, who replaces Cummins. Smith acknowledged the unpredictable nature of injuries in cricket but expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities afforded to Doggett and Boland.
The team’s batting order largely depended on Green’s fitness, as he dealt with a side issue while returning from a serious spinal injury. After declaring himself fit, selectors opted to bring in Weatherald as a specialist opener.
Weatherald, owner of a first-class batting average of 37.47, will become Khawaja’s sixth opening partner in 15 Tests since David Warner’s retirement from the format. Though he won’t significantly lower the team’s average age, Smith anticipates that Weatherald will bring consistency to the opening position.
Further praise was bestowed upon Doggett, who has earned his debut after a consistent performance in domestic cricket. His addition, alongside Boland, means Australia will feature two indigenous players in a Test team for the first time, marking a significant moment in the sport’s history.
The final Australian team lineup is as follows: Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (captain), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Brendan Doggett.