🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is almost done following Australia unveiled a 15-player lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the initial game indicates the need for calm minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the first time instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating indicating their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again relied upon as a back-up after being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other main attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has become a object for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his calm nature off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at international cricket and ought to welcome the unique opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an battle aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more confident batter if required to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable while the captain is injured and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of swing whether off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his attacking approach and tendency to hit massive scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a strong beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent innings might provide the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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