Australia Announces Squad for First Ashes Test: Uncapped Jake Weatherald Gets Surprise Call-Up
Australia has announced its squad for the first Ashes Test, which includes a major surprise: the selection of uncapped 31-year-old opener Jake Weatherald.
Australian Chief Selector George Bailey stated that the new opener, Jake Weatherald, possesses “all the qualities” required for a successful batsman. However, Bailey noted that Weatherald’s debut is not yet confirmed.
“No, he’s not confirmed for the playing XI yet,” Bailey said. “Fourteen of our 15 squad members are currently playing in the fourth round of the Sheffield Shield. We will gather more information from there.”
Key Selection Scenarios
The team formation heavily depends on the fitness of all-rounder Cameron Green, who is returning to bowling after a long layoff following back surgery. He had previously only been batting.
• Scenario 1 (Green is fully fit to bowl): Green will play at number six, and Weatherald will open the innings. In this case, Marnus Labuschagne will return to his preferred number three position, where he has scored five centuries in eight innings this season.
• Scenario 2 (Green cannot bowl fully): Labuschagne may move up to open the innings, and Green will bat at number three.
Weatherald’s Credentials and Other Squad Notes
• Weatherald’s Form: The right-handed batsman has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket over the past few years. Earlier this year, he scored an innings of 183 for Australia ‘A’ against Sri Lanka ‘A’.
• Bailey’s Praise: Bailey remarked, “His performance over the last 18 to 24 months has been very good. His batting style and technique for building an innings are excellent. He scores runs at a good pace, and his style fits well with the others in the team.”
• Disappointment for Renshaw: Weatherald’s inclusion comes as a disappointment for Matt Renshaw, who was expected to get the nod due to Marcus Harris’ poor form.
• Cummins’ Absence: Captain Pat Cummins has not yet returned to the field due to injury. Although he is named in the Perth squad, he will not play. His return for the Brisbane Test, starting December 4, depends on his fitness.
• Bowling Attack: Experienced bowler Scott Boland will take Cummins’ place. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will complete the pace attack. Spinner Nathan Lyon is set to play his 140th Test, and is two wickets away from surpassing Glenn McGrath to become the sixth-highest wicket-taker in Test history.
The Ashes Series Schedule
The five-match Ashes series will be followed by Tests in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney.
Captain: Steve Smith
Players:
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
Bo Webster
