🔗 Share this article

The period for before the Ashes talk and selection predictions is nearly finished following the Australian team revealed a 15-member lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the initial game suggests the need for composed minds during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped members being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again relied upon as a reserve following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other key bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his recent success to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet personality away from the field. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a force at this level and should embrace the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more confident batter whether needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking intent and tendency to score massive runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a positive start against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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