🔗 Share this article

The time for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is nearly over following Australia unveiled a 15-man squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the first match points to the requirement for calm temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five showing their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once again selected as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has turned into a target for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet demeanor off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without being a threat at international cricket and should seize the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an contest looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a far more composed batsman whether needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the national team during recent matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive intent and propensity to score big runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a knack of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a good start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the side until C