The 2025 Ashes caravan rolls into Perth with a bold statement from Australia: youth meets experience in a high-stakes XI confirmed by stand-in captain Steve Smith. With pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood ruled out due to injury, selectors have turned to uncapped quick Brendan Doggett, while South Australia opener Jake Weatherald earns his first Baggy Green after years of domestic consistency .
The move signals a blend of necessity and ambition for the hosts. On the fast, bouncy Perth pitch—a traditional Australian stronghold—fresh legs and fearless intent could be the X-factor. And with Smith at the helm (regular skipper Pat Cummins still managing a hamstring strain), the team is banking on his tactical nous to guide two debutants through cricket’s most intense rivalry .
Table of Contents
- Australia Ashes 2025 XI: Full Team and Key Changes
- Meet the Debutants: Weatherald and Doggett
- Labuschagne Returns to No.3, Green Drops to Six
- Why Perth Favors This Australian Lineup
- England Will Be Watching Closely
- Summary
- Sources
Australia Ashes 2025 XI: Full Team and Key Changes
Steve Smith officially unveiled Australia’s playing XI for the first Test at Perth Stadium, with two major changes from the side that toured England in 2023:
- Josh Hazlewood (injured) → replaced by Brendan Doggett (debut)
- Travis Head moved to No.4 → to accommodate Marnus Labuschagne at No.3
- Usman Khawaja & Jake Weatherald open the batting
- Cameron Green shifts down to No.6
The full XI: Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (unavailable; Nathan Lyon leads pace attack in his absence), Mitchell Starc, Brendan Doggett, and Nathan Lyon.
Meet the Debutants: Weatherald and Doggett
Jake Weatherald, 29, has been a mainstay in South Australian cricket for nearly a decade. A left-handed opener with a solid defensive technique and a penchant for big scores in first-class cricket, he averages 42.3 in the Sheffield Shield—including a career-best 230 against Queensland in 2023 . His selection rewards patience and domestic excellence in an era increasingly dominated by T20 stars.
Brendan Doggett, 27, is a tall, aggressive right-arm fast bowler from Queensland known for his bounce and seam movement. After recovering from multiple stress fractures early in his career, Doggett has emerged as one of Australia’s most consistent domestic quicks, taking 46 wickets at 22.1 in the 2024–25 Shield season . His call-up fills the void left by Hazlewood’s absence with raw pace and relentless line.
Why These Two?
Selectors opted for reliability over explosiveness. Weatherald offers stability at the top to blunt England’s new-ball attack, while Doggett provides the kind of aggressive, wicket-taking intent Perth’s pitch demands. Both are seen as “safe hands” under pressure—a crucial trait in Ashes debuts.
Labuschagne Returns to No.3, Green Drops to Six
One of the most significant tactical shifts is Marnus Labuschagne’s return to the No.3 position—a role he last held regularly in 2022. Labuschagne, a technically correct right-hander, thrives in anchor roles and has a Test average of 51.7 when batting at No.3 .
This move pushes Travis Head to No.4 and Cameron Green down to No.6. Green, primarily seen as a bowling all-rounder, loses his top-five security but gains more freedom to play his natural game lower down—potentially accelerating the innings if the top order fires.
“Marnus gives us solidity early. On a Perth pitch that can be spicy for the first session, that’s invaluable,” Smith explained in the pre-match presser .
Why Perth Favors This Australian Lineup
Perth Stadium’s pitch is renowned for its pace, bounce, and carry—qualities that amplify Australia’s fast-bowling strength. With Starc and Doggett operating in tandem, England’s top order (especially left-handers like Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope) could face a stern examination.
Moreover, the pitch typically flattens after Day 2, favoring batters who survive the early burst. Weatherald’s defensive acumen and Labuschagne’s patience are tailor-made for this scenario. If they can blunt the new ball, Smith and Head can capitalize on the softer conditions.
England Will Be Watching Closely
For England, Australia’s debutant-heavy lineup presents both opportunity and danger. Newcomers can crumble under Ashes pressure—or play with fearless abandon. Joe Root and Ben Stokes will likely target Weatherald early, testing his temperament against short-pitched bowling.
Meanwhile, England’s own pace attack—led by Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse—will aim to exploit any nerves in Doggett’s first spell. But if the debutants hold firm, Australia could seize early momentum in a series that’s already brimming with narrative tension.
For deeper insights into Ashes debutants who made an impact, check out our profile on [INTERNAL_LINK:ash-heroes-who-rose-on-debut].
Summary
The Australia Ashes 2025 XI for the Perth opener is set, with stand-in captain Steve Smith confirming two debutants: opener Jake Weatherald and fast bowler Brendan Doggett, who steps in for the injured Josh Hazlewood. Marnus Labuschagne returns to the crucial No.3 spot, pushing Cameron Green down to No.6—a strategic shift designed to maximize stability on Perth’s lively pitch. This blend of seasoned campaigners and fresh talent reflects Australia’s confidence in home conditions and their next-gen pipeline. As the Ashes flame ignites in Western Australia, all eyes will be on whether these new caps can rise to the occasion.