The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is nearly done following the Australian team revealed a 15-player team to confront the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the series opener points to the need for cool temperaments during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.
But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a known quality to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.
First. Sean Abbott
The experienced paceman is again selected as a substitute after being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the other main bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his good form to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆
2. Scott Boland
A key fast bowler in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his calm nature off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a danger at the top level and should seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The preferred gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an contest hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batter if required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now possible as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆
5. Cameron Green
The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆
Sixth. Josh Hazlewood
The metronomic seamer is at the height of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆
Seventh. Travis Head
The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his attacking intent and habit to score massive scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★
8. Josh Inglis
The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The seasoned remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆
10. Marnus Labuschagne
The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could give the team management the assurance to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆
11. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆
Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team until C
