Uncapped opener Jake Weatherald could make his Test debut after being named in Australia’s 15-man squad for the first Ashes Test against England in Perth later this month.

Chief selector George Bailey announced the squad on Wednesday, confirming that 20-year-old Sam Konstas had been left out after a string of low domestic scores. Bailey said the decision was based on form but stressed that the young opener remained in Australia’s long-term plans.

“I feel for Sammy. I feel like at the moment if he farts, it’s a headline,” Bailey said. “We really like him, and we’re confident that over the long run he’ll continue to build out. It’s not going to be linear – no one’s passage through their career is linear.”

Weatherald, 31, was last season’s leading run-scorer in the Sheffield Shield and has continued his strong red-ball form this summer. He is expected to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order, though Marnus Labuschagne, who earned a recall after consistent domestic performances, could also be considered.

With captain Pat Cummins still sidelined through injury, former skipper Steve Smith will lead the side.

The backbone of the bowling lineup is made up of veterans Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, who will be supported by Scott Boland and two players who have yet to be capped in Tests, Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott.

Two allrounders – Beau Webster and Cameron Green – are also in the squad, and Josh Inglis has been included as both batting cover and backup to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

The first Ashes Test begins at Perth Stadium on 21 November, followed by matches at the Gabba, Adelaide Oval, the MCG, and the SCG, concluding on 8 January.

Australia squad: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.