Steve Smith explains why Webster was dropped

- What time do The Ashes start in my state?

The wait is finally over with confirmation Brendan Doggett and Jake Weatherald will make their debuts for Australia in the first Ashes Test in Perth.

Captain Steve Smith confirmed Beau Webster will sit out the opening clash with England while Marnus Labuschagne will bat at number 3.

Cameron Green will operate as an all-rounder, having been cleared to bowl and will bat at number 6, forcing Webster out of the side.

Smith spoke about the tough decision to leave Webster out, saying it was simply a matter of fitting in other players in form.

"It's very tricky," Smith said, "I think he came into international cricket and lit it up immediately.

It's a really tough one on him but I think Marnus, when he's batting at his best at number three, it makes us a very good cricket side and you couldn't really leave him out after he came back and did exactly what was told of him.

"The way he's batted in Shield cricket for Queensland in the last couple of weeks has been amazing."

Weatherald will open the batting with Usman Khawaja after Sam Konstas was dropped for the series, becoming Australian #472, while Doggett will become Australian #473 after Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were both ruled out with injury. Scott Boland also joins him in the line-up with Mitch Starc.

Smith said Weatherald had earned his opportunity through great Shield form.

"I watched him (Weatherald) bat in the nets last few days and they're pretty tricky nets, fast, bouncy and a lot of seem.

"He's got a lot of courage... he wants to face bowlers the whole time (in the nets) and the guys were charging in and bowling fast. He took it on, got in really good positions, and he goes about it a certain way.

"He's been selected for his performances over the last 18 months in particular. He's batted exceptionally well at the top of the order for Tasmania, and hopefully he can bring that to the Test arena.

"I'm really excited for him. He's worked hard for a long period of time, and I think he's going to compliment Uzzie (Khawaja) pretty well up top."