🔗 Share this article

The period for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is nearly done after the Australian team announced a 15-player squad to face England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the initial game points to the necessity for composed minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the first time in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the only other new players being two pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating indicating their potential effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again relied upon as a back-up after being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other main attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his recent success to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has become a target for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a force at the top level and can embrace the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batsman if needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently attainable as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the persistent concern if he can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking intent and propensity to hit huge scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the side till C