The highly anticipated 1st Ashes Test match between Australia and England is set to take place at the Perth Stadium, with both teams announcing their playing XIs ahead of the clash. Australia, missing their captain Pat Cummins and bowler Josh Hazlewood due to injuries, has named an intriguing squad featuring Mitchell Starc as the lead pace bowler. Joining him are Scott Boland and debutant Brendan Doggett. Another debutant making waves is Jake Weatherald, who will open the batting alongside seasoned player Usman Khawaja. The experienced Steven Smith steps in as captain, navigating the team through external pressures, including ongoing references to past controversies.
The Australian lineup is as follows: Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland.
On the other hand, England has opted for a less predictable approach, announcing their 12 players but not fully disclosing their final XI. They are deliberating on whether to include off-spinner Shoaib Bashir or field a pace-heavy bowling attack. Mark Wood’s fitness remains a concern, adding to the tension as they finalize their decision. However, their batting lineup is strong, featuring dynamic openers supported by a middle order led by Joe Root, who is eager to secure his first Test century on Australian soil.
England’s playing XI is: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, and Mark Wood.
This match marks the first Ashes Test hosted at the Perth Stadium, a venue with a notable record as it has hosted only five Test matches in the past seven years, with Australia claiming victory in the first four by significant margins. While England may take confidence from their recent performances abroad, including a commanding display in India, they face a challenge at a ground where teams batting first have historically triumphed. The average winning margin for first-innings teams has been a staggering 252 runs, making the toss decision critical for England.
As the match begins, all eyes will be on Mitchell Starc, who opened the series with a wicket in his first over, dismissing Zak Crawley for a duck. Ben Stokes chose to bat first, putting faith in his pace attack to leverage the lively conditions of the Perth pitch. The intense Ashes rivalry is set to unfold, with both teams seeking to capitalize on their strengths in this opening encounter.