🔗 Share this article

The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost done after Australia revealed a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener indicates the necessity for cool heads during the fiery battle, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new members being two fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor away from the field. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a threat at the top level and ought to welcome the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a much more confident batsman whether required to score quickly or guide the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his attacking intent and propensity to score massive runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a strong beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team until C