🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is nearly finished after Australia announced a 15-member team to face England in the first Test. The expanded squad for the first match points to the need for cool heads during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining new members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their possible impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again relied upon as a reserve after being a regular member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at the top level and can embrace the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more assured batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now possible while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether he can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and tendency to clobber big runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper 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 his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a good start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the team management the confidence to support him to open if required with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the side until C