🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection speculation is almost finished following Australia announced a 15-member squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the series opener indicates the requirement for composed minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining new members being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more relied upon as a back-up after being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other main bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature away from the field. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at the top level and should seize the rare chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more confident batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently attainable while the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the Test team from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of swing whether off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to hit massive scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But following being among several batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind 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 play in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when the team toured the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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