Australia Pick New Debutants for First Test Against England

Australia have surprised many cricket fans by choosing two debutants for the first Test against England. It is the first time since 2019 that Australia have picked more than one new player in a Test match. The new players are Brendan Doggett, a fast bowler, and Jake Weatherald, a top-order batsman. Captain Steve Smith, who is leading the team in Pat Cummins’ absence, said he was excited to see both players get their first chance in Test cricket.

Jake Weatherald will open the batting with Usman Khawaja. This makes Weatherald Khawaja’s sixth opening partner since the retirement of David Warner in early 2024. His selection allows Marnus Labuschagne to return to his preferred number three position. Labuschagne had been dropped earlier in the year due to poor form, but he made a strong comeback with five centuries in eight innings in domestic cricket. Because of his excellent form, the selectors had no hesitation in bringing him back to the top order.

At number six, Cameron Green will play as the team’s all-rounder. He beat Beau Webster for the spot after showing better balance between batting and bowling. The middle order will now have Steve Smith at number four and Travis Head at number five. This creates a strong batting lineup that mixes experience with confidence.

Fast bowler Brendan Doggett has finally earned his Baggy Green cap after performing well for several seasons in domestic cricket. He replaces Josh Hazlewood, who is out with a hamstring injury. Doggett will bowl alongside Scott Boland, who replaces injured captain Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc, the most experienced fast bowler in the squad.

This combination gives Australia a fresh but powerful pace attack. Boland, famous for his accuracy and discipline, will take on the responsibility of leading the attack with Starc.

The team’s only spinner, Nathan Lyon, will play his 140th Test match. He has taken 562 wickets, and he needs only two more wickets to pass Glenn McGrath and become the sixth-highest wicket-taker in history. Lyon performs especially well in home conditions, where he has taken most of his wickets at an average of just over 31.

England and Australia last met in a Test Ashes series in 2023, which ended in a 2-2 draw in England. However, England have not won a Test series in Australia since 2010–2011, making this tour very important for them. Australia’s new combination of experience and fresh energy will be a major challenge for the visitors.

• Jake Weatherald

• Usman Khawaja

• Marnus Labuschagne

• Steve Smith (captain)

• Travis Head

• Cameron Green

• Alex Carey

• Mitchell Starc

• Nathan Lyon

• Scott Boland

• Brendan Doggett

Australia hopes that their new players and strong home advantage will help them start the series with confidence. As the match begins, all eyes will be on Weatherald and Doggett as they make their first appearance in the Baggy Green.