🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly done after the Australian team 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 necessity for composed heads during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their potential effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again trusted as a substitute after being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining main bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has turned into a object for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and can embrace the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more confident batsman whether needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the enduring question if he can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to score massive runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England visited for a full series point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite calls for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran requires a good beginning against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the team until C