The China Mail - Australia's Weatherald and Doggett to debut in first Ashes Test

It is the first time Australia have chosen multiple debutants in a Test since early 2019.

"Doggett and Weatherald are going to make their debuts, which is really exciting," Smith said on Thursday.

Weatherald's inclusion as Usman Khawaja's sixth opening partner since David Warner retired early last year means the in-form Marnus Labuschagne can return to his favoured number three.

Labuschagne was dropped ahead of Australia's mid-year Test tour of the West Indies after an extended lean spell, but came roaring back with five centuries in eight innings this season.

Incumbent number three Cameron Green edged out Beau Webster as the all-rounder and will now come in at six, behind Smith at four and Travis Head at five.

Doggett, an outstanding bowler in domestic cricket over recent years, will pull on a Baggy Green for the first time after Josh Hazlewood was ruled out with a hamstring strain.

Captain Pat Cummins is also missing as he returns to fitness from a back injury, replaced by Scott Boland.

Boland and Doggett lead the pace attack alongside Mitchell Starc.

Nathan Lyon, in his 140th Test, provides the spin option with the veteran generally thriving on home soil, where he has bagged 268 of his 562 Test wickets at an average of 31.08.

He needs two more to surpass Glenn McGrath and become the sixth-highest wicket-taker in history.

England drew 2-2 at home in the most recent Ashes series in 2023, but have not won in Australia since 2010/2011.

Australia team: Jake Weatherald, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (capt), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett

B.Chan--ThChM