Konstas dropped, Labuschagne recalled as Australia announce squad for first Ashes Test against England

New Delhi: Cricket Australia (CA) announced the 15-member squad for the first Test of the five-match Ashes series against England, which is set to begin on November 21 in Perth. Steve Smith will lead the side in the absence of Pat Cummins, who is set to miss the opening game due to back issues.

After a poor series against the West Indies, Sam Konstas has been dropped from the squad, while Tasmanian left-handed opener Jake Weatherald has earned a maiden call-up to the Test side.

Marnus Labuschagne, who was dropped from the West Indies Test earlier this year, is set to be recalled into the playing XI following a sensational start to the domestic season with Queensland, but his batting position remains uncertain.

Chief selector George Bailey said that no decision had been made on the batting order or the final playing XI, but stressed that Labuschagne could bat anywhere.

"He can bat three, he could open. He's got the skill set for both, but he's been looking pretty good of late," Bailey said.

Weatherald had earned his spot in the squad after scoring 1391 runs at an average of 53.50 while opening the batting for Tasmania and Australia A in the last 14 months. Green and Beau Webster have both been named in the squad, although it remains to be seen whether both all-rounders will play in the same playing XI as they have done in Australia's last four Tests.

Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon are set to be the four bowlers, while Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott have been named as the reserve fast bowlers. Josh Inglis has been added as the reserve wicketkeeper. He also kept wicket in Australia's last Test bowling innings against the West Indies when Alex Carey was subbed out with a concussion

Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.