Ashes 2025/2026: Who Will Open Against England?

With the Ashes 2025/2026 fast approaching, starting in Perth, Australia faces a well-known selection problem who to partner with the reliable Usman Khawaja? The answer could well be solved by combining Australia’s A tour of India, first season Sheffield Shield matches, and selectorial wisdom. Here is a breakdown of the candidates ready to compete for the much-coveted Test opener spot.

Australia A Tour: The Pre-Season Kickoff of the Ashes 2025/2026 Selection War

Even though the Australia A tour of India is developmental in focus, it provides an early shot at making a case. Selectors George Bailey and Andrew McDonald have already nailed Khawaja’s spot, but the race for his partner is up for grabs.

The official Ashes 2025/2026 team will likely be named in early November following the third round of the Sheffield Shield. Until that time, form in both India and at home will be under the microscope.

Sam Konstas Key Points:

Easily the only current opener picked to play for Australia A this tour.
Good debut but variable form in the Caribbean.
Must have solid comebacks against WA, Victoria, and Queensland in the Shield.

At 19, Sam Konstas is technically the incumbent opener, but his position is far from guaranteed. Although the Lucknow tour will not necessarily have an impact on Ashes selection, runs against quality opposition such as Mohammed Siraj would count enormously in his favour.

Marnus Labuschagne Main Points:

Test average: 46.19 with 11 centuries.
No century since July 2023.
Could open or go back to No. 3, depending upon the balance required.

Once an integral part of Australia’s Test team, Marnus Labuschagne now finds himself on the spot. A run of poor form has left him uncertain of a spot in the Ashes 2025/2026. A couple of positive, extended Shield innings or strong ODI performances could bring him back even as an opener.

Jake Weatherald Key Highlights:

1143 runs at 67.23 strike rate in his previous 20 innings.
Four 145+ scores.
A tempo-fitting fit for Australia’s leading order.

Jake Weatherald is the most explosive and in-form batsman on the domestic circuit. At 30, he’s playing the cricket of his life. With an aggressive flair ideal for contemporary Test cricket, a continuation of his form in initial Shield matches could make him a solid bet for the Ashes 2025/2026.

Marcus Harris Key Highlights:

Scored 1027 runs at 60.41 in County Championship Division Two.

Test average: 25.29 from 14 games.

Requires large domestic scores to stay in the running.

Even with a rich history in the Test combination, Marcus Harris has not appeared in a Test since the 2021-22 Ashes. Though selectors rate his experience, especially in high-pressure Ashes matches, he needs to establish his scoring ability early in the Shield season preferably with greater fluency and consistency.

Matt Renshaw Key Highlights:

Averaged below 35 in the last two Shield seasons.
Has ODI potential as a middle-order batter.
Needs to reclaim his Queensland opener role.

Matt Renshaw’s tale is a mirror of Konstas’ early promise making his debut young, promising much, then crashing. Although he’s impressed in List A cricket, Renshaw needs to produce big Shield performances at the top of the order in order to stand any chance at an Ashes 2025/2026 recall.

Cameron Bancroft Key Highlights:

Good winter with Gloucestershire across all formats.
Needs to respond to terrible 2024 domestic campaign.
Nine centuries in his previous 42 Shield innings before slump.

Formerly the favourite to open the batting, Cameron Bancroft now requires a mammoth start to the Shield season. Although out of favour lately, his experience and ability make him not yet worth writing off particularly if aided by teammates such as Sam Whiteman.

Other Possible Players for Ashes 2025/2026

Campbell Kellaway- Impressed towards the end of last summer and should play for Australia A. Large Shield scores could put him in the running.

Nathan McSweeney- Opener last season against India. Requires big scores at No. 3 for South Australia.

Kurtis Patterson- More likely to play middle-order but will be watched intently.

Long Shots:

Sam Whiteman, Tim Ward, Caleb Jewell, Jayden Goodwin
These players would have to play exceptionally well early in the Shield season to elevate their stock into the Ashes 2025/26 squad, but as Konstas showed last year, anything can happen.

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