🔗 Share this article

The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost over after Australia revealed a 15-member lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the series opener suggests the requirement for composed minds during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the debut instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a known quality to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five indicating their likely influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again trusted as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining key attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor off the field. However the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at this level and ought to embrace the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batsman whether required to score quickly or guide the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now possible while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing concern if he can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his attacking intent and habit to score big runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite demands for a transition at the opening position after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being one of many batters failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a positive beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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