🔗 Share this article

The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is almost done following Australia unveiled a 15-player lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the initial game points to the necessity for composed minds during the intense battle, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being two pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again selected as a back-up after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at this level and can welcome the uncommon chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest aiming to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batter if required to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team across recent matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance 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 acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, could be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing concern if he can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to hit big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite calls for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match 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 the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side until C