🔗 Share this article

The time for before the Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is almost done after the Australian team announced a 15-player team to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the initial game points to the requirement for composed heads during the fiery battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once again trusted as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will want to sustain his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a object for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet personality off the pitch. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and ought to embrace the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batsman if needed to accelerate or support the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team during the last few matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent question if he can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to hit huge scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad showed that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the contest when the team toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the team till C