The 58-Test veteran hasn’t scored a Test century since the 2023 Ashes in England.
GOLD COAST
Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne has been recalled to the national squad for the upcoming Ashes series, with selectors naming the experienced batter in a 15-member team for the first Test against England beginning November 21 in Perth.
Labuschagne, who missed the three-Test tour of the West Indies earlier this year due to poor form, has bounced back with strong performances in domestic first-class cricket. The right-hander, with 58 Tests to his name, last reached three figures during the 2023 Ashes in England.
Opener Jake Weatherald, 31, could make his Test debut after being picked ahead of Matt Renshaw and Sam Konstas. Weatherald was last season’s top scorer in the Sheffield Shield, amassing 906 runs at an average of 50.33.
Steve Smith will captain the side in the absence of Pat Cummins, who continues to recover from a lower back injury. The pace attack is likely to feature Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland, with Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott providing additional fast-bowling options. Allrounders Beau Webster and Cameron Green have also been included.
Selector George Bailey said that most squad members are currently playing Sheffield Shield matches to fine-tune preparations. Green’s bowling fitness will be closely monitored, with selectors expecting him to deliver 15–20 overs in Western Australia’s next match to prove his readiness.
Meanwhile, former captain Stephen Waugh urged selectors to plan carefully for the future, warning against multiple senior players retiring simultaneously. “It’s a time of transition,” Waugh said.
Australia squad: Steve Smith (capt), 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, Beau Webster.