Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Khawaja Welcomes Labuschagne's Return for Ashes Opener
Australia's cricket team is getting ready for a big competition called the Ashes against England.
The team just picked its players for the first game.
A player named Marnus Labuschagne is back on the team, which is exciting because he's really good at batting in a specific spot, number three.
Another player, Jake Weatherald, who is 31, might get to play for Australia for the very first time and could even open the game with a veteran player named Usman Khawaja.
Jake has been playing so well in local games that he earned this chance.
Two new players who haven't played for Australia before, Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett, are also in the team.
Veteran player Usman Khawaja is happy about these players joining and thinks the team looks strong, especially with Marnus batting at number three.
Usman himself is still playing even though he's getting older and is focused on helping Australia win the Ashes.
Marnus Labuschagne returns to Australia's Test squad for the Ashes opener against England in Perth, batting at No. 3.
Usman Khawaja believes Labuschagne's return and consistent scoring at No. 3 makes the Australian team most balanced.
Jake Weatherald receives his first Test call-up after a successful Sheffield Shield season, potentially opening with Khawaja.
Uncapped players Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett have also been included in the 15-member squad.
Khawaja, nearing 39, remains focused on performing and helping Australia win the Ashes series.
- Who
- Usman Khawaja and Australian selectors
- What
- Announced a 15-member squad for the Ashes series opener, including the return of Marnus Labuschagne and the inclusion of Jake Weatherald.
- When
- Recently, ahead of the Ashes series opener starting November 21.
- Where
- The squad announcement pertains to the Ashes series opener in Perth.
- Why
- Labuschagne's return is due to his prolific domestic form, while Weatherald earned his call-up after a strong Shield campaign and Sam Konstas's omission.
Usman Khawaja's View
Selector's Perspective
Team Balance with Labuschagne
Usman Khawaja's View
Khawaja believes Australia's best team is when Marnus Labuschagne scores runs at No. 3, creating a formidable top order with Smith and Head.
Selector's Perspective
Labuschagne's recall is based on his outstanding Sheffield Shield form, where he consistently batted at No. 3 and scored multiple centuries.
Jake Weatherald's Potential Opening Role
Usman Khawaja's View
Khawaja praises Weatherald's attacking style and believes he is a terrific player who can keep momentum and score runs, making him a contender to open with him.
Selector's Perspective
Weatherald's inclusion comes after an exceptional Shield campaign, and with Sam Konstas omitted, he is now in contention to partner Khawaja at the top of the order.
- Event
- Australia's Ashes series squad announcement
- Series Opponent
- England
- Series Opener Location
- Perth
- Series Opener Date
- November 21
- Key Returnee
- Marnus Labuschagne (batting at No. 3)
- Notable Inclusion
- Jake Weatherald (potential opener)
- Uncapped Players
- Sean Abbott, Brendan Doggett
- Usman Khawaja's Age
- 38 (turning 39 next month)
