🔗 Share this article

The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost over after Australia announced a 15-member squad to take on England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the first match suggests the necessity for cool heads during the fiery battle, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive style, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more relied upon as a reserve following being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining main attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has turned into a target for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor off the pitch. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and can seize the unique chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batsman if required to accelerate or support the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now possible as the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting 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 feasibly 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 determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the enduring concern whether he can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to clobber massive scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a new blood at the opening position after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a strong beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent knocks might give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the side until C