Australia's Test squad for the first Ashes Test against England has been announced, with some surprising inclusions and exclusions. Sam Konstas has been dropped, while Jake Weatherald makes his international debut. Marnus Labuschagne, who was previously dropped, is set to return to the XI after a strong season with Queensland. Allrounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster have also been named in the squad, but their playing roles are yet to be determined. Steven Smith will captain the side in Pat Cummins' absence, who is recovering from a lumbar stress injury. The bowling attack is expected to be led by Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon, with at least one allrounder in support. Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott have been named as reserve fast bowlers, while Josh Inglis is the reserve wicketkeeper and can also fill a reserve batter role. The squad includes Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, and Steven Smith. The team's performance will be crucial in determining the outcome of the Ashes series.
