🔗 Share this article

The time for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is practically done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. This extended group for the series opener suggests the requirement for calm minds during the intense battle, with the newcomer included for the debut in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again relied upon as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other key attackers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature off the field. However the 36-year-old 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 threat at international cricket and can welcome the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable 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 guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and touch of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking intent and habit to clobber massive scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time England visited for a full series point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a strong start against the English pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team toured England 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 last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the side until C