Carey, Smith, Khawaja among Ashes stars rejoining BBL-15
A number of leading Australian players have made themselves available for selection from January 10.
A number of leading Australian players have made themselves available for selection from January 10.
On the final morning, Khawaja led the Australian team onto the field on Day 5 as his teammates instinctively held back, allowing him to take in the occasion.
With Usman Khawaja set to retire after the Sydney Test and Nathan Lyon already sidelined through injury, Smith is set to become the oldest player in the Australian XI alongside Scott Boland in the Ashes 2025–26 finale.
The 39-year-old will continue to play domestic cricket, representing Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League and remaining available for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield.
Khawaja, who has recently been the subject of speculation regarding his Test future, is expected to address the media ahead of the Sydney Test.
The 38-year-old will remain with the side to continue his rehabilitation, and no replacement has been named in his place. This means Australia's squad for the Gabba encounter is trimmed down to 13.
Khawaja undertook his first proper test since injuring his back last week, with medical staff closely monitoring him during a fitness session on Monday afternoon, according to cricket.com.au.
The early finish in Perth allowed Cummins, recovering from a lower-back stress issue, to shift his planned bowling session to Tuesday.
The squad announcement marked Labuschagne’s return to the Test fold following a prolific domestic season for Queensland, where he piled up runs at will. His recall comes on the back of outstanding form in the Sheffield Shield.
The seasoned left-hander has been a constant presence at the top of Australia’s Test batting order throughout the WTC cycle.
