The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is nearly done following the Australian team revealed a 15-player lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the first match points to the requirement for cool temperaments during the fiery battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.
However with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining new players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.
First. Sean Abbott
The veteran seamer is again selected as a reserve after being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other main bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆
2. Scott Boland
Among the top pace bowler in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at international cricket and can seize the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆
3. Alex Carey
The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batsman whether needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆
Fourth. Brendan Doggett
The state seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
5. Cameron Green
The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆
Sixth. Josh Hazlewood
The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the persistent question if he can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆
Seventh. Travis Head
The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his attacking approach and tendency to clobber huge runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The reserve keeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be considered as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The veteran keeps hanging on even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being one of many batsmen failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s pace attack in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight innings might give the team management the assurance to back him to open if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆
Eleventh. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆
12. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia batting great will step in to lead the team till C
