🔗 Share this article

The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly done after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the initial game indicates the necessity for cool minds during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the remaining uncapped members being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their potential effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again selected as a substitute after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other main attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his recent success to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and can embrace the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, 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 assured batter whether required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach while Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of swing whether off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive approach and habit to hit huge scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring 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-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But following being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the side until C