🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is nearly over after Australia unveiled a 15-player team to take on the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the initial game indicates the necessity for cool heads during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new members being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again selected as a substitute after being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has turned into a target for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm demeanor off the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a danger at international cricket and can seize the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batter whether required to score quickly or support the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during recent Test series and is returning following taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and touch of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to score huge scores as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batters failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the team till C