🔗 Share this article

The time for before the Ashes talk and selection predictions is almost done after Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener suggests the need for composed heads during the fiery contest, with the newcomer named for the debut instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their possible influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more selected as a substitute after being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other main bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor off the field. But the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at this level and should embrace the rare chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle aiming to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more confident batsman if required to score quickly or support the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now possible as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the persistent question if he can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his attacking intent and habit to clobber massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his abilities, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist 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-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a transition at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However after being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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