🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is almost finished following Australia unveiled a 15-member team to confront England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the initial game indicates the requirement for cool minds during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again relied upon as a reserve following being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other key attackers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will hope to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has turned into a target for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at the top level and ought to seize the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more assured batter if required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team during recent Test series and is returning after taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now possible while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to score big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team proved that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But following being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team toured England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the team till C