🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost done following the Australian team revealed a 15-player team to take on England in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener suggests the requirement for composed temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more trusted as a back-up following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has become a object for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at the top level and can welcome the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batsman if required to score quickly or support the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach while Cummins is injured and the key quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a important impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady discipline, and touch of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to score massive runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series point to his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a transition at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a positive beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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