🔗 Share this article

The time for before the Ashes talk and selection guesses is almost over following the Australian team revealed a 15-player lineup to take on England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the first match indicates the requirement for cool minds during the intense battle, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating indicating their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again selected as a back-up following being a regular member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other key attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his recent success to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at the top level and should embrace the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batsman whether needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now possible as Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a important impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the series, could be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of seam whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the persistent question whether he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to score huge runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if required with the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the side until C