The 2025–26 Ashes may be winding down, but Australia is already looking ahead. Ricky Ponting has unveiled his Australia squad for the 2027 Ashes series in England, announced during a segment on 7 Cricket. The tour is scheduled to follow Australia’s India trip at the end of 2026, setting up a high-stakes five-Test series in English conditions.
Context: Ashes momentum and England’s wait
Australia has already clinched the 2025–26 Ashes, although England salvaged some pride with a Boxing Day Test win. England have not won an Ashes series at home since Alastair Cook led them to victory in 2015, so the 2027 series promises to be closely watched by both sets of fans.
A blend of experience and youth
Ponting’s squad reads like a deliberate mix of seasoned campaigners and promising youngsters. Pat Cummins remains captain in Ponting’s picks, though Cummins’ ongoing back problems have limited his playing time recently and are a clear selection risk. The squad otherwise keeps faith with many 2025–26 regulars while bringing in a few fresh faces to test for the rigours of English cricket.
Top and middle order
Travis Head retains his spot as an aggressive top-order option, partnered by Campbell Kellaway, a left-hander whose strong Sheffield Shield form and technique against the new ball make him a logical choice for opening in Duke-ball conditions. Marnus Labuschagne provides solidity in the middle, with Steve Smith named as a senior batting linchpin — although Smith will be in his late 30s by 2027, casting some doubt over his long-term availability. Young left-hander Oliver Peake has been rewarded for his under-19 and early domestic performances and looks to be the next in line to stake a claim.
Keeping and bench strength
Alex Carey is the first-choice keeper with Josh Inglis named as backup. Both offer useful batting contributions, which is important for depth in the lower order. Ponting also included all-round options such as Cameron Green and Beau Webster to add balance; Green’s multi-dimensional skill set clearly appealed despite occasional dips in form.
Bowling attack and spin options
Pace is anchored by Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, with Jhye Richardson and Scott Boland providing additional seaming options. Boland, like several senior players, will be older by 2027 — another reminder of the age-related questions hanging over the squad. For spin, Nathan Lyon heads the ranks alongside young Todd Murphy, while Beau Webster can offer part-time spin if matchups or conditions demand a third slow option.
Selection risks to watch
- Injury: Pat Cummins’ back issues remain a key concern for captaincy and bowling availability.
- Age: Veteran figures such as Steve Smith, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon will be approaching their late 30s, raising questions about durability across a tough five-Test series.
- Transition: The mix of youth (Campbell Kellaway, Oliver Peake, Todd Murphy) and experience will need careful management to perform in English conditions.
Ricky Ponting’s 2027 Ashes squad
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Travis Head
- Campbell Kellaway
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Oliver Peake
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Cameron Green
- Mitchell Starc
- Josh Hazlewood
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Jhye Richardson
- Todd Murphy
- Beau Webster
What to expect
This squad shows Australia preparing for the classic challenges of an Ashes tour in England: swing and seam for the quicks, two frontline spinners to handle varied surfaces, and a batting line-up that mixes aggression with technique. Much will depend on fitness and form nearer the time — especially Cummins’ back and the availability of senior players — but Ponting’s selection sends a clear message: Australia wants to defend its Ashes dominance while blooding new talent for the long-term.