🔗 Share this article

The period for before the Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is almost done following Australia unveiled a 15-player lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the first match points to the need for calm heads during the heated battle, with the newcomer named for the debut in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five showing their possible influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again relied upon as a reserve following being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other main bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has emerged as a target for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved demeanor off the pitch. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at this level and ought to welcome the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more confident batter if needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during recent Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the series, could be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring question whether he can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his positive intent and habit to clobber big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must also be viewed 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 leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a strong start against the English pace attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match helped turn the contest when the team toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the team until C