<h2>Weatherald Earns Maiden Call Up as Australia Names 15 Man Ashes Squad - Three Point Summary:</h2> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> <p>-Jake Weatherald earns maiden Ashes squad selection after stellar Sheffield Shield season with 906 runs at 50.33</p> <p>-Marnus Labuschagne returns to Test squad following a dominant start to the domestic season with five centuries this summer</p> <p>-Sam Konstas axed from the Test squad entirely after disappointing Caribbean tour performances</p> <p>Australia's selectors have named their 15-man Ashes squad for the Perth opener, with Jake Weatherald poised for a potential Test debut against England.</p> <p>Former Number One-ranked Test batter Marnus Labuschagne has returned to the Test squad after a dominant start to the Shield season, after being dropped for the mid-year series in the West Indies.&nbsp;</p> <p>Steve Smith will captain the side in the absence of Pat Cummins.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Weatherald Claims Maiden Ashes Squad Spot</h2> <p>The Tasmania opener has earned his breakthrough selection in Australia's Ashes squad after a standout Sheffield Shield campaign last summer. Weatherald's impressive tally of 906 runs at an average of 50.33 has thrust him into contention for a debut against England at Perth Stadium.</p> <p>Selection chief George Bailey indicated the squad provides excellent balance, with 14 players set to feature in the upcoming Shield round. This continued assessment period suggests selectors remain undecided on their final XI for the November 21 clash.</p> <p>Weatherald's inclusion creates intriguing selection scenarios for the opening partnership. With Usman Khawaja locked in as one opener, the competition between Weatherald and recalled veteran Marnus Labuschagne adds depth to Australia's batting options.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Labuschagne Returns After Konstas' Axing</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Marnus Labuschagne's recall to the Ashes squad represents a significant turnaround for the former world No.1 Test batsman. His dominant Sheffield Shield form, featuring four centuries this summer, has forced selectors' hands after his previous omission.</p> <p>The batting reshuffle comes at the expense of Sam Konstas, who has been completely dropped from the squad following a disastrous Caribbean tour. Konstas managed just 50 runs across six innings, with scores of 3, 5, 25, 0, 1,7 and 0 highlighting his struggles against quality bowling attacks.</p> <p>Cameron Green's bowling fitness remains a crucial factor in finalising the team composition. The allrounder has bowled just four overs in competitive cricket following back surgery, with a recent side complaint preventing his return to bowling duties during the ODI series against India.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Smith Takes Captaincy Reins</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Steve Smith will captain Australia in the opening Ashes Test, stepping up in Pat Cummins' absence due to a back injury. While Cummins will join the squad in Perth, hopes remain high for his return later in the five-match series.</p> <p>The bowling attack appears settled with Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Josh Hazlewood forming the pace trio, supported by veteran spinner Nathan Lyon. Uncapped fast bowlers Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott provide additional depth but seem unlikely to feature unless injury strikes.</p> <p>Josh Inglis retains his position as backup wicketkeeper behind Alex Carey, though his absence from the upcoming Shield round suggests he won't challenge for a specialist batting role. Both Matthew Renshaw and Mitch Marsh have been omitted from selection despite earlier speculation about their inclusion.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>The Ashes 2025/26 Betting Odds:</h2>