The period for before the Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is almost done after Australia announced a 15-player team to face England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener points to the necessity for calm temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.
But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The veteran seamer is again selected as a back-up after being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining key attackers facing a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his good form to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆
2. Scott Boland
A key pace bowler in the team has turned into a object for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor off the field. Yet the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at international cricket and should welcome the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆
3. Alex Carey
The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batter if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The state paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
Fifth. Cameron Green
The acclaimed player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The metronomic seamer is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of movement whether off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent concern if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆
Seventh. Travis Head
The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to clobber huge scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★
8. Josh Inglis
The reserve wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆
10. Marnus Labuschagne
The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆
11. Nathan Lyon
The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australian batting great will take over to captain the side till C
