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Ian Healy names his Aussie XI for first Ashes Test
SEN • November 11th, 2025 11:02 am
Aussie cricket great Ian Healy has named his XI for the first Ashes Test against England in Perth.
The former wicketkeeper is picking Jake Weatherald to make his debut, with Marnus Labuschagne slotting in as well at no.3.
That top order change shifts Cameron Green to no.6, providing he is passed fit to bowl, ultimately making Beau Webster the unlucky 12th man.
While Green has only bowled four overs this season, he’s set to undertake a solid bowling load in the Sheffield Shield match against Queensland at the WACA beginning today.
If Green can prove that he’s ready to go as an all-rounder, Healy is willing to overlook Webster, who has done nothing wrong so far in his international career given that he’s scored just 11, 6 and 13 from his three Shield knocks so far this season.
“Originally I had Labuschagne opening, not Weatherald, that was the change to my original XI,” Healy said on SENQ Breakfast.
“But if Green overcomes his body issues and bowls today against Queensland, then that could cover the bowling.
“Only recently I had Green at three with Webster in the team as well for bowling security,
“But Beau hasn’t convinced me that his form is anywhere near as good as it was.”
While Weatherald also failed to make a statement in Tasmania’s first innings against South Australia on Monday, scoring 23 of the side’s 209, Healy has liked that he’s passed fifty on three occasions so far this season against the red ball.
“Even though Weatherald didn’t make many yesterday (against South Australia), I don't mind him making 23 out of 209,” Healy explained.
“When you lose a toss in Hobart and you see how green that wicket is, it can be dynamite to bat on a Shield wicket.
“He would have been working hard and this is the hardest cricket Jake Weatherald will ever play, waiting to see whether he's going to get selected in the XI.
“He didn't fail. He could have made none on that wicket, because plenty of them did.”
Ian Healy’s first Test XI
Usman KhawajaJake WeatheraldMarnus LabuschagneSteve SmithTravis HeadCameron GreenAlex CareyMitchell StarcNathan LyonScott BolandJosh Hazlewood
