🔗 Share this article

The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is almost done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player team to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the first match suggests the need for calm minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the remaining new players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is again selected as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining main attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at this level and ought to embrace the rare opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more confident batsman whether needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during recent Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now attainable while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and touch of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and propensity to score huge scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a positive beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the team till C