The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection guesses is almost over after Australia unveiled a 15-player lineup to confront England in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener suggests the requirement for calm temperaments during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.
However with the batsman hitting stride and the only other inexperienced members being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating indicating their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The veteran fast bowler is once again trusted as a substitute after being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other main attackers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆
Second. Scott Boland
Among the top pace bowler in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature off the pitch. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at the top level and should seize the rare chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more confident batter if required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable while the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
5. Cameron Green
The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the series, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆
Sixth. Josh Hazlewood
The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and hint of movement whether seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent concern if he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆
7. Travis Head
The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and habit to hit big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★
8. Josh Inglis
The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The seasoned stays despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆
Eleventh. Nathan Lyon
The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when the team visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the side till C
