🔗 Share this article

The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost over following the Australian team unveiled a 15-member lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the series opener suggests the requirement for cool temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more selected as a back-up after being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his calm personality away from the field. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at this level and should seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batsman whether required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the national team during recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of seam whether seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and habit to hit big runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite calls for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a positive beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the side till C