🔗 Share this article

The period for pre-Ashes talk and selection speculation is practically done after the Australian team revealed a 15-player lineup to confront England in the first Test. The larger group for the initial game suggests the requirement for cool temperaments during the fiery contest, with the newcomer named for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace replacements, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again trusted as a reserve following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other front-line attackers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality away from the field. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and can embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle hoping to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batsman if required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently possible as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a important impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and habit to hit big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But after being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team until C