🔗 Share this article

The period for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is nearly finished following Australia announced a 15-man team to face the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the first match indicates the requirement for cool temperaments during the fiery contest, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the remaining new members being two fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again trusted as a back-up following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his good form to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has become a target for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at this level and should embrace the unique chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batsman whether required to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during recent Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive approach and habit to clobber massive scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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