🔗 Share this article

The period for pre-Ashes banter and squad guesses is almost done following Australia unveiled a 15-man lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener suggests the necessity for calm heads during the intense battle, with the newcomer selected for the debut in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is again selected as a substitute following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining main attackers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved personality away from the field. However the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at this level and can embrace the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more assured batter if needed to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during recent Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach while Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent question whether he can feature in four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive intent and habit to score big runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England toured for a full series point to his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His blistering form with five hundreds in his recent innings could give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the side till C