Ashes 2025: Check Aussie squad, full schedule, match timings, and where to watch opening test
Australia on Wednesday announced a 15-member squad for the first Ashes 2025 Test against England, set to begin on November 21 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. While the selectors have yet to confirm the playing XI, Steve Smith will captain the side in the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins, with Travis Head named vice-captain.
The squad sees some notable changes — young opener Sam Konstas has been dropped after a string of low scores, while Marnus Labuschagne has earned his way back into the Test setup after a prolific domestic run for Queensland, scoring five centuries in seven games across formats.
Selectors have also handed opportunities to three uncapped players — Jake Weatherald, Brendan Doggett, and Sean Abbott. Weatherald, 31, could be in line for a debut as opener, partnering Usman Khawaja at the top of the order.
His consistent domestic form over the last 18 months reportedly impressed selectors, with chairman George Bailey saying Weatherald’s “style complements the batting lineup well.”
Bailey described the squad as offering “good balance,” adding that with most of the players currently featuring in the Sheffield Shield, final decisions on the XI will be made closer to the toss.
“It’s the 5th of November and the Test starts on the 21st — we don’t need to name the XI until the coin goes up,” Bailey said.
The squad includes seasoned names such as Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland, ensuring Australia’s bowling attack remains potent.
All-rounders Cameron Green, who recently returned from back surgery, and Beau Webster also cut, while Alex Carey retains his spot as wicketkeeper with Josh Inglis as backup. Bailey expressed optimism that Cummins could return later in the series once he recovers from his back injury.
Konstas, who opened for Australia in three Tests during the West Indies tour in July, was omitted after scoring just one fifty in seven domestic innings this season.
The Ashes 2025 series will feature five Tests across seven weeks:
- 1st Test: November 21–25, Optus Stadium, Perth
- 2nd Test: December 4–8, The Gabba, Brisbane
- 3rd Test: December 17–21, Adelaide Oval
- 4th Test: December 26–30, Melbourne Cricket Ground (Boxing Day Test)
- 5th Test: January 4–8, Sydney Cricket Ground
England, led by Ben Stokes, announced its 16-man squad earlier in September, featuring openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley.
Where to Watch:
Fans in India can watch the Ashes 2025 live on Sony Sports Network and stream it on SonyLIV. The first Test begins at 7:50 AM IST (10:20 AM local time) on November 21.