Ashes 2025-26: Australia repeats a unique 79-year-old record in the very first Test

Perth (The Uttam Hindu): The iconic Ashes series between England and Australia began on Friday, with England winning the toss and choosing to bat at the Perth Stadium. The match marks a rare moment in Australian cricket history as two players Brendan Doggett and Jake Weatherald made their international debuts at the age of 31. The last time Australia fielded two debutants aged 30 or above in the same Test was in March 1946, in a match against New Zealand.

Steve Smith is leading the Australian team in this opening Test. Usman Khawaja has been included in the playing XI, along with key players like Travis Head, Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon.

Fast bowler Brendan Doggett earned his debut opportunity because Josh Hazlewood was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Doggett has played 50 first-class matches, taking 190 wickets at an average of 26.46. He has also taken 26 wickets in 17 List-A matches.

Jake Weatherald, who opened the innings for Australia, has scored 5,322 runs in 77 first-class games at an average of 37.47, including 13 centuries and 26 half-centuries. In 51 List-A matches, the left-hander has accumulated 1,602 runs at an average of 33.37.

Under the leadership of Ben Stokes, England entered the historic Test with players such as Joe Root, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Jofra Archer, and Mark Wood in the lineup.

Australia Playing XI: Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (Captain), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (Wicketkeeper), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland.

England Playing XI: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (Captain), Jamie Smith (Wicketkeeper), Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood.