Australia's Ashes Squad Shake-Up: Labuschagne Returns, But Can He Regain His Spark?
Updated: November 5, 2025, 7:42 AM Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes
The Ashes are heating up before the first ball is even bowled! Marnus Labuschagne, the veteran batsman who's been a cornerstone of Australia's Test side, is back in the squad after a surprising absence from the West Indies series. But here's where it gets interesting: his return comes after a slump in form, and he hasn't scored a Test century since the 2023 Ashes in England. Can he rediscover his magic touch against the old enemy?
Selectors have thrown a few curveballs into the mix for this 15-man squad. Jake Weatherald, the Sheffield Shield's leading run-scorer last summer, is in line for a potential debut, edging out Matt Renshaw and the young Sam Konstas for the opening slot alongside Usman Khawaja. And this is the part most people miss: with Pat Cummins still sidelined due to a back injury, Steve Smith will captain the side in the series opener.
The pace attack looks formidable, with Scott Boland joining Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Uncapped duo Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott add depth to the fast bowling department, while all-rounders Beau Webster and Cameron Green offer versatility. Green's fitness, particularly his ability to bowl extended spells, will be closely monitored in the upcoming domestic matches. Selector George Bailey emphasized this, stating, "We've got 14 out of our 15-man squad playing a round of the Sheffield Shield, still some information to gather from that — Cameron Green returning to the bowling crease being one of them."
But is this squad future-proof? Australian cricket legend Stephen Waugh has sounded the alarm, urging selectors to prepare for a transition phase. With many players in their 30s, Waugh warns against a mass exodus of experience. He pointedly remarked, "George Bailey's going to have to make some tough calls... Because it is a time of transition." Waugh's own retirement in 2004, at 38, marked a similar period of change for Australian cricket.
The Ashes, always a fiercely contested battle, promises even more intrigue this time around. Can Labuschagne silence his critics? Will Weatherald seize his opportunity? And how will Australia manage the inevitable generational shift? One thing's for sure: this Ashes series is shaping up to be a thriller.
What do you think? Is Australia's squad strong enough to reclaim the Ashes? Are selectors doing enough to plan for the future? Let us know in the comments below!
