Australia vs England 1st Ashes Test: The final XI of Australia and a 12-man England squad have been unveiled ahead of the opening Test of the 2025 Ashes series. High intensity will mark the series’ start, considering that both sides have entered into the series with fresh strategies and bold selection calls.
Ashes 2025-26 Preview: New Faces, High Stakes, Classic Rivalry
The Ashes returns with new storylines. Australia start the series at home with a changed top order and Steve Smith wearing the captain’s armband again. England, on the other hand, have a team assembled based on pace, hostility and youthful exuberance under Ben Stokes.
The opener is expected to take shape from fast bowling firepower, batting stability under pressure, and how well England adapt early to Australian pitches. With the urn on the line and innovation at the heart of both teams’ approach, fans are in for a fierce contest from ball one.
Australia Announce XI: Smith Leads a Bold New-Look Line-Up
Australia have announced their playing XI for the first Test, which has a mix of experience, form, and experimentation in strategy.
Australia’s Playing XI for 1st Ashes Test
Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett
Australia’s Playing XI Highlights for the 1st Test
- Jake Weatherald earns a debut, replacing David Warner at the top.
- Steve Smith returns in the leadership role, anchoring a strong middle order.
- Brendan Doggett’s addition brings new pace alongside Starc and Boland.
- Lyon remains Australia’s frontline spinner, aided by the all-round control of Green.
England Confirm 12-Man Squad: Pace Power & Dynamic Middle Order
England have named their 12-man squad, balancing experience with sharp attacking options.
England’s Anoounce 12 Man Squad for 1st Ashes Test
Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Mark Wood
England’s 12 Man Squad Highlights for the 1st Test
- Jofra Archer’s return bolsters England’s pace arsenal.
- Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson provide extreme speed options.
- Joe Root, Pope, and Brook lead England’s middle-order stability and aggression.
- Young wicketkeeper Jamie Smith remains in contention for a debut.
Australia vs England, 1st Ashes Test: Where to Watch in India
- Live Telecast: The first Ashes Test will be telecast live on Star Sports Network from 8:00 a.m. IST.
- Live Streaming: The live streaming of the first Test can be watched on JioHotstar app and its website.
