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With the highly anticipated Ashes 2025–26 series set to begin on November 21 in Perth, excitement is building across the cricketing world. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, known for his sharp cricketing acumen and tactical insight, has added to the pre-series buzz by unveiling his preferred Australian XI for the first Test. With injuries disrupting Australia’s usual bowling attack, Ponting’s selections reflect both adaptability and faith in emerging talent.
Ricky Ponting unveils his preferred XI for the Perth Test
Speaking on The ICC Review, Ponting shared the lineup he believes gives Australia the strongest chance of starting the Ashes on a winning note. With Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the opening Test due to injury, Australia have been forced to rethink their bowling combinations—opening the door for new faces.
Ponting surprised many by naming Jake Weatherald as his choice to open the batting alongside veteran Usman Khawaja. While Weatherald is yet to make his Test debut, his recent red-ball form and attacking style have earned him Ponting’s backing.
“I feel that Australia’s best team has Jake Weatherald opening the batting along with (Usman) Khawaja,” Ponting said, giving the left-hander a major vote of confidence.
At No. 3, Ponting has shown full faith in Marnus Labuschagne, praising the batter for his prolific domestic season and consistent contributions.
“He’s done absolutely everything that’s been asked of him over the last month, scoring hundreds at will, coming back into the side at No.3,” Ponting remarked.
Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: James Anderson reveals roadmap for English bowlers to sizzle in Australia
Fresh faces in the pace attack as Brendan Doggett earns Ponting’s support
With two frontline pacers unavailable, Ponting’s XI includes a reshaped pace unit featuring Scott Boland, Mitchell Starc, and Brendan Doggett. Doggett, who has impressed in domestic cricket with his ability to extract bounce and movement, was picked ahead of Michael Neser.
“Boland, Starc, and probably Doggett gets the nod ahead of Michael Neser,” Ponting said, highlighting the pace and variety Doggett brings to the attack.
Spin duties remain in the reliable hands of Nathan Lyon, whom Ponting described as a certainty in Australian conditions.
“Nathan Lyon, who was always going to play anyway, I think that will be Australia’s team,” he added.
In the middle order, the former captain retained a familiar structure with Steve Smith at No. 4, Travis Head at No. 5, and all-rounder Cameron Green at No. 6. Alex Carey keeps his place as the wicketkeeper-batter at No. 7.
Ricky Ponting’s Australia XI for the first Test: Jake Weatherald, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Scott Boland, Mitchell Starc, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Lyon
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