Both teams have released their full squads for the first Ashes Test, scheduled to take place at Perth Stadium on November 21, 2025.
Australia has suffered a major setback due to injuries to key players. The team’s internal challenges have deepened.
The Ashes 2025 First Test: Which player will not play and why
Australia captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the first Test due to a lower back strain. He hasn’t had time to recover, and so Steve Smith will assume temporary captaincy.
Furthermore, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been diagnosed with a hamstring strain and will be unavailable for the Perth Test. Consequently, Australia has included Brendan Doggett in the squad to cover the loss.
Meanwhile, England has received some good news: their fast bowler Mark Wood is fully fit and is considered ready for the first Test.
England are hoping their fast bowling can take advantage of Australia’s weakened batting line-up.
Ashes 2025: Australia Squad
- Steve Smith (Captain)
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Travis Head
- Cameron Green
- Beau Webster
- Alex Carey (wicketkeeper)
- Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper backup)
- Jake Weatherald (uncapped, opener)
- Sean Abbott (uncapped bowler)
- Brendan Doggett (uncapped fast bowler)
- Scott Boland
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
Ashes 2025: England Squad
- Ben Stokes (Captain)
- Harry Brook (vice-captain)
- Jofra Archer
- Gus Atkinson
- Shoaib Bashir
- Jacob Bethell
- Brydon Carse
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Will Jacks
- Ollie Pope
- Matthew Potts
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper)
- Josh Tongue
- Mark Wood
The Ashes 2025 Pitch & Weather Report
The pitch at Optus Stadium in Perth is bouncy and will offer variable bounce in some areas. Fast bowlers will have an advantage.
There is some grass on the pitch, which should provide a balanced game for both batsmen and bowlers.
Light rain is expected for the first two days, followed by clear weather. Temperatures will range between 24–26°C. The weather will be favorable and stable for the match.
Ashes 2025 1st Test Strategy
The changes to Australia’s team have been carefully considered.
In the absence of Cummins and Hazlewood, the fast bowling duties will fall on Starc, Boland, and Abbott. Jake Weatherald may be given the responsibility of opening the innings.
England’s team has maintained balance, with Archer, Wood, and Atkinson as the fast bowlers, while players like Stokes, Root, and Brook will provide confidence in batting.
The 1st Test of the Ashes looks even more exciting as both sides prepare to give their all, and despite injury concerns, reliable players have been selected.
