Australia’s selectors have announced a 15-member Ashes squad led by Steve Smith, leaving out young opener Sam Konstas. His omission follows inconsistent outings during the domestic summer, with selectors opting for a reshaped top order. In a notable reshuffle, all-rounder Cameron Green makes his way back, marking a comeback after undergoing back surgery last year. Jake Weatherald, uncapped yet seasoned in domestic circuits, finds his name among the probables. Chief selector George Bailey maintained a guarded tone while revealing the list. He confirmed that the final XI for the opening Test in Perth will be decided after observing pitch conditions. Weatherald, if chosen, would be the sixth opening partner for Usman Khawaja since David Warner’s retirement. Experiments with Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, and Konstas himself have failed to produce lasting combinations. Read also: Ben Stokes Signs New Two-Year England Contract, Eyes 2027 Ashes Smith’s leadership steadies the transition With Pat Cummins sidelined by a lower back injury, Smith resumes full captaincy duties for the first time since the 2023 home season. Cummins, though part of the travelling group, is expected to regain fitness by the Brisbane Test starting December 4. The pace attack will feature Scott Boland, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, with Nathan Lyon providing spin in what could be his 140th appearance. Marnus Labuschagne returns at number three, reinforcing the batting core. Green, still easing back into bowling rhythm, might bat lower down. The five-match series begins in Perth on November 21 before moving through Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. England, who last won in Australia in 2010–11, will seek to break that drought as the hosts regroup under a new hierarchy. Australia squad for the Ashes: Steve Smith (Captain), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Jake Weatherald, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Sean Abbott, Brendan Doggett.