🔗 Share this article

The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is practically finished after Australia revealed a 15-player squad to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the series opener suggests the necessity for calm temperaments during the fiery contest, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more relied upon as a substitute after being a regular member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor off the field. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at the top level and ought to embrace the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle hoping to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a far more composed batsman if needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible while Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of movement whether off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his aggressive approach and propensity to clobber huge scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran requires a positive start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the team until C