🔗 Share this article

The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is almost over following the Australian team announced a 15-man lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the first match suggests the necessity for calm heads during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more selected as a reserve after being a regular member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other key attackers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality away from the field. Yet the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at this level and should seize the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle looking to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batter if needed to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a important contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question if he can feature in four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to hit big scores as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the team management the assurance to back him to open if required with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the team till C