🔗 Share this article

The phase for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is practically done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man team to confront England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the initial game suggests the necessity for calm heads during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced members being two pace replacements, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their possible influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again relied upon as a reserve after being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will want to sustain his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a target for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature off the field. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at this level and should seize the unique opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across recent matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now possible as Cummins is injured and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern if he can feature in four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive approach and propensity to clobber massive scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid calls for a transition at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a positive start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the team management the confidence to support him to open if required with the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the team until C