🔗 Share this article

The time for before the Ashes talk and selection guesses is nearly finished following the Australian team announced a 15-man lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener indicates the necessity for cool temperaments during the fiery battle, with the newcomer included for the first time instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped players being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive style, with a rating out of five showing their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more trusted as a reserve following being a regular member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. However the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at international cricket and ought to welcome the unique opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his positive approach and propensity to score big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being among several batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can decide personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the side until C