🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is practically done following Australia unveiled a 15-player team to face the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener suggests the necessity for calm heads during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the only other new players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their possible effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more relied upon as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other main attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has emerged as a object for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at international cricket and should embrace the rare opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batter whether needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across recent Test series and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently possible as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling 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 despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, could be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and touch of seam whether seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to score massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a transition at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being among several batters unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

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 Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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