🔗 Share this article

The time for before the Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is nearly over following the Australian team revealed a 15-member team to confront England in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the series opener suggests the requirement for calm minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining uncapped members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their possible effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more selected as a back-up following being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining main attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has become a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a threat at international cricket and should embrace the rare chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more confident batter whether required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team during recent Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of seam whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring concern if he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his aggressive intent and propensity to score big scores as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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