PERTH: Australia has confirmed its playing XI for the first Ashes Test, with Steve Smith set to captain the side.
The lineup features seasoned players including Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, and Mitchell Starc. Test debutants Brandon Doggett and Jack Wagerald will also make their first appearances. Nathan Lyon, Brandon Doggett, and Scott Boland complete the squad.
England’s squad for the Ashes opener
England has also announced a 12-man squad for the first Test, which begins at 02:20 GMT on Friday. Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum may confirm the final XI at the toss.Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Mark Wood
England’s selection strategy under Stokes and McCullum often involves finalizing the XI close to the toss, so fans can expect last-minute confirmations.
Meanwhile, former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath has stepped down from the Ashes commentary panel ahead of the series.
The first Ashes Test between Australia and England is scheduled to begin tomorrow in Perth.