🔗 Share this article

The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is nearly over after Australia announced a 15-player squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the first match indicates the need for calm minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new members being two fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is again selected as a reserve after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without being a danger at this level and can embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batsman whether required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent matches and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the series, could be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive approach and propensity to hit massive scores as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid calls for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But following being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a good beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team till C