🔗 Share this article

The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost finished after Australia unveiled a 15-man team to take on England in the first Test. The expanded squad for the first match points to the need for composed minds during the heated battle, with the newcomer included for the first time in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again selected as a back-up after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other key bowlers facing a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his recent success to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved nature off the pitch. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at international cricket and ought to embrace the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a far more confident batsman if required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a major impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive intent and habit to clobber huge scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However following being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the confidence to support him to open if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the side until C