The excitement for the first Test of the Ashes 2025-26 is at its peak as Australia and England gear up for a high-voltage clash in Perth. Both teams have announced strong squads for the series, featuring world-class batters, all-rounders, and fast bowlers. Here is the complete preview of the squads, probable playing XIs, and key details for this historic opening Test.
Match Details
- Match: 1st Test, The Ashes 2025-26
- Venue: Perth Stadium, Australia
- Date: From 21 November
Australia Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Steve Smith (Captain) | Batter |
| Usman Khawaja | Batter |
| Marnus Labuschagne | Batter |
| Travis Head | Batter |
| Jake Weatherald | Batter |
| Cameron Green | All-rounder |
| Alex Carey | Wicketkeeper |
| Josh Inglis | Wicketkeeper |
| Beau Webster | All-rounder |
| Sean Abbott | All-rounder/Bowler |
| Mitchell Starc | Bowler |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler |
| Scott Boland | Bowler |
| Nathan Lyon | Spinner |
| Brendan Doggett | Bowler |
England Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Ben Stokes (Captain) | All-rounder |
| Harry Brook (Vice-captain) | Batter |
| Jofra Archer | Bowler |
| Sam Curran | All-rounder |
| Ollie Pope | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Ben Duckett | Batter |
| Zak Crawley | Batter |
| Joe Root | Batter |
| Will Jacks | All-rounder |
| Matthew Potts | Bowler |
| Jamie Smith | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Brydon Carse | Bowler |
| Josh Tongue | Bowler |
| Mark Wood | Bowler |
| Gus Atkinson | Bowler |
| Shoaib Bashir | Spinner |
| Jacob Bethell | All-rounder |
Related: AUS vs ENG, Ashes 2025 1st Test: Perth Stadium Pitch Report, Test Stats
Australia Probable Playing XI
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Cameron Green
- Steve Smith (C)
- Travis Head
- Beau Webster
- Alex Carey (WK)
- Mitchell Starc
- Scott Boland
- Nathan Lyon
- Josh Hazlewood
Key Notes:
- Cameron Green is expected to bat at No. 3.
- Beau Webster may feature as the second all-rounder.
- The bowling attack looks settled with Starc, Boland, Hazlewood, and Lyon.
England Probable Playing XI
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Ben Stokes (C)
- Jamie Smith (WK)
- Jofra Archer
- Gus Atkinson
- Josh Tongue
- Mark Wood
Key Notes:
- England may play with five fast bowlers and no frontline spinner for the pace-friendly Perth pitch.
- Ben Stokes will play a crucial all-round role.
- Joe Root remains the backbone of the batting line-up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who are the captains for this Test?
A: Steve Smith will lead Australia, while Ben Stokes will captain England.
Q2: Is England really going with no spinner?
A: Considering the fast and bouncy conditions in Perth, England may opt to play only fast bowlers.
Q3: What are the main strengths of both teams?
A: Australia’s strength lies in their powerful bowling unit, while England boast a deep and dynamic batting line-up.
Q4: Who are the youngest players to watch out for?
A: Jacob Bethell (England) and Jake Weatherald (Australia) are among the exciting young talents.
This opening Test promises to be a thrilling start to the Ashes 2025-26 series. The final playing XIs will be confirmed at the toss, but these predicted line-ups give a strong indication of what both teams might prefer on the Perth surface.