Stand-in captain Steve Smith confirmed that Weatherald and Doggett would feature in the crucial first Test. Weatherald will become Usman Khawaja’s sixth opening partner since David Warner’s retirement from red-ball cricket in January 2024.
All-rounder Beau Webster, who had played seven consecutive Tests since his debut against India in January, misses out as Cameron Green returns to bowl for the first time since back surgery over a year ago. Webster had contributed with a batting average of 34.64 and a bowling average of 23.25 in seven Tests, effectively playing the seam-bowling all-rounder role after replacing Mitchell Marsh earlier this year.
Marnus Labuschagne, who was omitted for the West Indies series, returns to his preferred No. 3 spot, while Nathan Lyon is reinstated after missing the Jamaica Test when Australia opted for an all-pace attack.
Australia have held the Ashes urn since 2017, while England have not won a series Down Under since 2010-11 under Andrew Strauss, nor a Test match on Australian soil since that series. However, the upcoming Ashes is expected to be fiercely competitive, with many considering this England side the strongest to tour Australia in recent years.
Australia XI – 1st Test vs England, Perth:
Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (C), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (WK), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland
