🔗 Share this article

The period for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is almost done following the Australian team announced a 15-player squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the first match points to the requirement for cool temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer named for the debut replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again trusted as a reserve following being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining main attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has turned into a object for England for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature off the pitch. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at international cricket and can welcome the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more confident batsman if required to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a significant contribution to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and hint of seam whether seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to hit massive runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order 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 deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the team management the confidence to back him to open if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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