<h2>Two Debutants Named in Australia’s Ashes XI – Hat-trick Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett earn maiden Test call-ups for Australia's<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/cricket/the-ashes/australia-v-england-9758785"> Ashes opener in Perth.</a></p> <p>- &nbsp; Steve Smith takes captaincy reins with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood sidelined through injury.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Historic moment as Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett become first Indigenous duo in Australian Test cricket.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Fresh Faces Ready for Ashes Spotlight</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Australian selectors have turned to new blood for the opening Test of the highly anticipated Ashes series, with opening batsman Jake Weatherald earning his maiden Test cap alongside experienced campaigner Usman Khawaja.</p> <p>The South Australian left-hander gets his opportunity at the top of the order as Australia seeks to maintain their recent dominance over England.</p> <p>Fast bowler Brendan Doggett joins Weatherald as the other debutant, marking Australia's first new pace bowling addition to the Test squad in four years.</p> <p>The Queensland quick will spearhead a three-pronged pace attack featuring the experienced duo of Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Smith Steps Up as Stand-in Skipper</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>With regular captain Pat Cummins ruled out through injury, Steve Smith assumes the leadership role for the Perth Test. The former captain returns to the helm while batting at his preferred number four position, with Marnus Labuschagne occupying the crucial number three spot.</p> <p>The injury concerns extend beyond Cummins, with Josh Hazlewood also unavailable for the series opener. Both pace bowlers are targeting returns for the second Test at The Gabba in Brisbane, scheduled to commence on December 4.</p> <p>Their absence opens the door for Doggett to make his mark on cricket's biggest stage.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Historic Indigenous Representation</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This team selection carries significant cultural importance, marking the first occasion in Australian Test cricket history where two Indigenous players - Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett - feature in the same starting XI.</p> <p>This milestone adds extra significance to an already crucial Ashes encounter.</p> <p>Cameron Green secures the all-rounder position at number six, with the selectors opting for his experience over the unlucky Beau Webster.</p> <p>Travis Head maintains his middle-order berth, while Alex Carey continues as the team's wicketkeeper-batsman. Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon rounds out the bowling attack, bringing his wealth of Ashes experience to Perth's pace-friendly conditions.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Ashes Series Schedule</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/cricket/the-ashes/the-ashes-2025-26-7540084">The five-match series</a> promises to deliver exceptional cricket across Australia's premier venues. Following the Perth opener, the teams head to Brisbane for a day-night encounter at The Gabba, before the traditional Adelaide Oval clash.</p> <p>The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and New Year's Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground complete the schedule.</p> <p>Australia enters this Ashes series with confidence following their recent home successes, but England's arrival with renewed vigour under their current setup ensures a compelling contest.</p> <p>The Perth pitch traditionally favours pace bowling, making the debut of Doggett and the return of Boland particularly intriguing storylines.</p> <p>With both Cummins and Hazlewood expected back for Brisbane, this Perth Test offers a golden opportunity for the debutants to stake their claims in Australian cricket.</p> <p>The stage is set for another memorable chapter in Ashes history, beginning Friday at Perth Stadium.</p>