🔗 Share this article

The period for before the Ashes talk and selection guesses is nearly done after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member lineup to face England in the first Test. The larger squad for the first match indicates the need for cool temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again trusted as a substitute following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining key attackers dealing with a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his strong performances to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at the top level and should welcome the uncommon chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more assured batsman if needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team across recent Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now possible while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his positive intent and habit to clobber massive scores as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent innings might provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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