🔗 Share this article

The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is almost over after Australia unveiled a 15-player lineup to confront England in the first Test. The expanded group for the series opener points to the need for calm minds during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other new players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball style, with a rating out of five indicating their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once more selected as a substitute after being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will want to maintain his recent success to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has become a object for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a force at international cricket and should welcome the rare chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more confident batter whether required to accelerate or support the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team across the last few Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But after being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the side until C