🔗 Share this article

The period for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is practically done following Australia unveiled a 15-player lineup to take on England in the first Test. The larger squad for the first match indicates the requirement for calm minds during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced members being two fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating indicating their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again selected as a reserve after being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other key attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at the top level and ought to seize the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more confident batter whether required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent matches and is back following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now possible while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the enduring concern whether he can play four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive intent and habit to clobber massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five hundreds in his last eight innings might provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when the team toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the team till C