🔗 Share this article

The time for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is nearly finished following Australia unveiled a 15-player team to take on England in the first Test. The expanded group for the first match indicates the need for cool minds during the fiery battle, with the newcomer selected for the debut replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five showing their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more relied upon as a substitute after being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his recent success to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has turned into a target for England for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at international cricket and can welcome the unique opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batsman if needed to accelerate or support the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a important impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and hint of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to score big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the last time the English toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a talent of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the team management the assurance to back him to open if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the side till C