Cricket news 2025, Australian Test team changes for Ashes, opening batters, Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, Jason Sangha, Kurtis Patterson, Jake Weatherald

Australia needs a "reset" following a shock World Test Championship final loss, so said losing captain Pat Cummins.

And the immediate focus is well and truly on the top of the batting order as the Aussies look to prepare for a home Ashes series at the end of this year.

There have been fears for a while now about the age of the first-choice XI, with Cameron Green the only player still under 30.

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The end is nearing for one of the great Aussie cricket teams and change isn't so much on the horizon, as it is banging on the door already.

Marnus Labuschagne is on the verge of being axed and veteran opener Usman Khawaja is nearing the end of the road, as is the living legend Steve Smith.

Jake Weatherald, Jason Sangha, and Sam Konstas are eyeing Test selections. Nine

Selectors have some big calls to make ahead of a bumper home summer schedule and these are the six batters who could lead the shake-up.

SAM KONSTAS

He is still only 19 years old and is well and truly considered the future of the Aussie Test team.

The Sydney schoolboy made his debut in the baggy green against India in Melbourne and set the MCG alight, before falling back to earth with a couple of 20s in Sydney and being bumped out of the team.

He has since failed to make it back into the XI but remains in the squad and will almost certainly get a chance against the West Indies later this month.

With Usman Khawaja all but guaranteed his spot for the Ashes, Konstas is leading the charge to be his opening partner against England.

Sam Konstas and Pat Cummins celebrate at the MCG. Getty

NATHAN McSWEENEY

The right-hander made his Test debut against India and played three matches before being axed to make way for Konstas.

He failed to score above 39 in six innings and registered single figure scores on three occasions.

Nonethless there was a reason he got selected in the first place and he is still only 26 years old, so has plenty of time to get back in the fold.

He and Konstas may yet be long-term opening partners for Australia down the track.

JOSH INGLIS

The classy keeper-batter made his Test debut in Sri Lanka and scored a century in his maiden innings.

He whacked 102 in Galle and then made a duck in the second Test, and has not played for Australia since.

He is 30 years old but proved he has what it takes to play at the highest level and will likely remain around the squad for years to come.

Josh Inglis celebrates his century. Getty

JAKE WEATHERALD

The left-hand opener has been plugging away on the domestic scene for years but may just be the bolter Australia needs.

He was the leading Sheffield Shield run scorer in the 2024-25 season, compiling 906 at 50.33 for Tasmania across 10 matches.

He's played 71 first class matches and at 30 years old would provide an experienced option for the Aussies to insert at the top of the order against England.

JASON SANGHA

The prodigious right-hander came to the nation's attention several years ago when commentator Kerry O'Keeffe claimed he had the best technique since Ricky Ponting.

He hasn't quite lived up to that hype but Sangha put forth a spectacular Shield season, averaging an enviable 78.22 from his six matches for South Australia.

He scored centuries in back-to-back finals, including a second-innings 126 not out to guide them to the title against Queensland.

He is still only 25 years old and may just be at the point of realising his huge potential.

Jason Sangha after hitting the winning Shield final runs. Getty

KURTIS PATTERSON

The NSW batter famously boasts a monstrous Test average of 144.00 thanks to his two matches in 2019 - he scored a 30 and then 114 not out, but hasn't been seen in the Australian team since.

He has continued to ply his trade at state level and averaged 57.15 across eight matches in the most recent Shield season.

His first class average is only 39.00 and at 32 years old he is probably running out of opportunities to wear the baggy green.

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