🔗 Share this article

The time for before the Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly finished after the Australian team unveiled a 15-man squad to confront England in the first Test. The expanded group for the first match suggests the necessity for cool minds during the fiery contest, with the newcomer named for the first time replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more trusted as a back-up after being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm demeanor off the pitch. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at the top level and ought to seize the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an contest aiming to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more assured batter whether required to accelerate or support the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now possible while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to score big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the last time England toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he must also be considered as a pure batter when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a good start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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