🔗 Share this article

The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is practically done following Australia revealed a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener suggests the requirement for cool temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more trusted as a reserve following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality away from the field. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at this level and should welcome the unique chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more composed batter whether needed to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to clobber huge runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a positive beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the team management the assurance to back him to open if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team until C