Sam Konstas dropped as Australia announce squad for 1st Ashes Test sans Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins won't be part of first Ashes Test in Perth due to an injury.

Australia have announced a 15-man squad for the first Ashes Test against England in Perth, leaving out young opener Sam Konstas and handing a maiden call-up to Jake Weatherald. Steve Smith will lead the side in the absence of regular captain Pat Cummins, who continues to recover from a back injury suffered earlier this year.

Marnus Labuschagne earns his spot

The selectors have opted for experience, bringing back Marnus Labuschagne after his strong domestic form with Queensland. His exact batting position is yet to be decided, especially with Weatherald being a specialist opener. Labuschagne is expected to feature in the top order, but his role could shift as well. He was dropped from Australia’s last series, which was against the West Indies away from home.

He has truly earned his spot in the team, having a ball in the ongoing Sheffield Shield tournament. Labuschagne has already mustered 341 runs at an incredible average of 85.25, with best scores of 160 and 159. Even in the Australia One-Day Cup, he proved to be a run machine, having hammered 338 runs at 84.50, almost at a run a ball.

The squad also includes all-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster, while Nathan Lyon returns as the main spinner. Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland are expected to form the pace trio, with Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett as backups.

Konstas dropped, Weatherald rewarded

Konstas, 20, was omitted after struggling in the West Indies series, where he scored just 50 runs in six innings. His exclusion opens the door for Weatherald, who has been one of the most consistent openers in domestic cricket. The left-hander has scored 1391 runs at an average of 53.50 in the past 14 months for Tasmania and Australia A.

Chair of selectors George Bailey praised Weatherald’s steady rise and consistent approach.

“I think it’s a pretty solid record for 18 to 24 months,” Bailey said. “He’s in a really clear place and understands his game well. He scores at four runs an over and has some natural attacking strengths without being reckless.”

Bailey also addressed the decision to drop Konstas. “Every conversation with Sam is a joy,” Bailey said. “He’s taken it well and remains positive. The scrutiny on him has been high, but ultimately it’s about runs.”

Smith to lead, Cummins to travel

Smith will captain Australia for the first Test, with Cummins expected to travel to Perth as part of his recovery process. The selectors are hopeful he will be fit for the second Test in Brisbane. Usman Khawaja, despite a minor adductor strain, is set to be available, while Josh Inglis has been included as a backup wicketkeeper. The first Test will be played at the new Perth Stadium (Optus Stadium), starting on November 21.

Australia squad for first Test against England

Steven Smith (capt), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster