🔗 Share this article

The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is nearly over following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man lineup to confront England in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener indicates the necessity for calm heads during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the first time in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating indicating their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more selected as a substitute following being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other main bowlers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for England for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality off the field. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at this level and should embrace the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more confident batsman whether needed to score quickly or support the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the batting players while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent question whether he can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive intent and propensity to hit huge runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the team till C