🔗 Share this article

The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is nearly finished following Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the series opener points to the need for cool minds during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the debut replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped members being two pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five indicating their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more relied upon as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other main attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his recent success to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm nature off the pitch. Yet the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at international cricket and can seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more confident batter if required to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now attainable as Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit huge scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight innings might give the team management the confidence to back him to open if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the team till C