🔗 Share this article

The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection predictions is practically done following Australia unveiled a 15-player lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the initial game suggests the requirement for calm minds during the intense battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more trusted as a back-up following being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining main attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has become a target for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality off the pitch. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at this level and ought to embrace the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle aiming to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batsman whether needed to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern whether he can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking approach and propensity to clobber big runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests point to his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a century at better than a quick rate 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 matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a strong start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the side until C