🔗 Share this article

The period for before the Ashes banter and selection guesses is almost done after the Australian team revealed a 15-member team to take on England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the first match suggests the requirement for calm minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the only other uncapped players being two pace replacements, there is a known quality to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their possible effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more trusted as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will want to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has turned into a object for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm nature off the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a threat at this level and can seize the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batter if required to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable while the captain is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a important impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his positive approach and habit to clobber big scores as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a ability of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran requires a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the team management the confidence to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the contest when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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