🔗 Share this article

The period for before the Ashes banter and selection guesses is almost finished following the Australian team announced a 15-player lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener indicates the need for composed heads during the intense battle, with the newcomer named for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating showing their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again trusted as a substitute following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other key bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has turned into a object for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at this level and ought to welcome the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest looking to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more confident batter if required to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, might be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent concern whether he can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his positive approach and habit to score massive runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the team till C