🔗 Share this article

The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad speculation is nearly finished following Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the series opener suggests the need for cool minds during the fiery battle, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of pace backups, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again selected as a reserve following being a regular member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other key attackers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has turned into a focus for England for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet demeanor off the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at this level and should welcome the unique chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle hoping to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more composed batter if required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the national team during recent matches and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent question whether he can play four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking intent and tendency to score huge scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the side until C