🔗 Share this article

The phase for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is practically finished following the Australian team revealed a 15-man lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener suggests the need for calm minds during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again selected as a reserve following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has become a object for England for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at the top level and ought to welcome the unique chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle hoping to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more composed batsman if needed 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 periphery of the national team across the last few matches and is back following claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently possible while the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a important contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive intent and tendency to score big scores as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being among several batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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