🔗 Share this article

The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection predictions is almost over after Australia announced a 15-member squad to face England in the first Test. The expanded squad for the first match points to the need for composed minds during the intense battle, with the newcomer included for the debut instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being two fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again trusted as a reserve following being a regular member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining key attackers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has turned into a target for England for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his calm nature away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at this level and ought to welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a much more confident batter whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back after taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the series, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading 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 it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing concern if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to hit massive scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should also be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being one of many batsmen failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a positive start against England’s pace attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the team until C