🔗 Share this article

The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is nearly finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the series opener indicates the necessity for composed temperaments during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped members being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating indicating their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again trusted as a back-up after being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining key attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has become a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved personality away from the field. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at this level and ought to embrace the rare chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a far more confident batter if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across recent Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to hit big scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite demands for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the side till C