🔗 Share this article

The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is nearly over after Australia revealed a 15-man lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener indicates the requirement for calm temperaments during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new members being two fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their possible effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again trusted as a reserve after being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has turned into a target for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his calm personality away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a threat at this level and can seize the uncommon chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle hoping to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more assured batter whether required to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent matches and is back after taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring question whether he can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his attacking intent and tendency to hit massive runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a transition at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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