🔗 Share this article

The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is practically done following the Australian team revealed a 15-player team to confront the English side in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the series opener points to the necessity for cool heads during the heated battle, with the newcomer named for the debut in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their possible impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more selected as a substitute following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other key attackers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has become a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm nature away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at this level and should embrace the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an contest aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more assured batter if required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during the last few matches and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive intent and habit to clobber massive runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for a full series point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence 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 the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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