It will be an Ashes 2025 campaign on the back foot for Australia, with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood set to miss the opening Test against England. The first match starts on Friday, November 21, at Perth's Optus Stadium, a venue where Australia hope for a strong start in defense of their title.

In the absence of Cummins, Steve Smith has been named captain. Smith has led Australia several times in the past and now returns to the role for this important match. Scott Boland and debutant Brendan Doggett come in for the injured pair, while Mitchell Starc will lead the pace attack. All-rounder Cameron Green will serve as the fourth pace-bowling option.

This game also signals a landmark moment for Australia. With both Doggett and Boland playing, there will be two Indigenous cricketers in Australia's Test XI for the very first time in their 148-year Test history.

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Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have been ruled out for this game on account of injuries. Cummins hurt his back following the Test series in the West Indies - he played all three games but then missed the T20Is. He has also sat out the white-ball series against South Africa, New Zealand, and India. Despite bowling in the nets ahead of the Perth Test, the medical team did not want to rush him into action. He is expected to return for the second Test in Brisbane, a day-night affair.

On the other hand, Hazlewood acquired a hamstring strain that occurred in the previous week while playing for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield. He was in fantastic form during the white-ball games but was injured at a vital time. The injury, though, is not serious, and as of this moment, there is no clear update as to when he will play again.

Australia also hands a debut to opening batter Jake Weatherald, giving the team another fresh face as they embark on their Ashes challenge.