India, Nov. 20 -- Australia will field two debutants in the first Ashes Test against England, with Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett set to make their Test bows when the series begins on Friday in Perth. The twin call-ups-uncommon for Australia in recent years-signal both opportunity and necessity as injuries reshaped the squad.

Weatherald's selection at the top of the order means Marnus Labuschagne can reclaim the No. 3 spot he has long made his own. After being dropped for the mid-year West Indies tour, Labuschagne forced his way back with a blistering run of domestic form, scoring five centuries in eight innings for Queensland.

Standing in as captain for the still-recovering Pat Cummins, Steve Smith said Weatherald had impressed hi...