🔗 Share this article

The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is nearly done following Australia revealed a 15-man team to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the first match points to the requirement for composed minds during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is again trusted as a back-up after being a regular member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at international cricket and can welcome the unique chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an contest hoping to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more composed batter if required to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing question if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his aggressive approach and propensity to hit huge runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the last time the English toured for a full series point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However following being among several batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the team until C