🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly finished after Australia unveiled a 15-man lineup to confront England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the first match indicates the requirement for calm temperaments during the fiery battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new players being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating showing their possible influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is again relied upon as a reserve after being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the other front-line bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm demeanor away from the field. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at this level and should seize the unique opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batsman whether required to score quickly or guide the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. If he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to clobber big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series highlight his abilities, while the player has a ability of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a strong start against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his last eight innings could provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when Australia visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the side till C