🔗 Share this article

The time for before the Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is practically finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-member squad to take on England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the requirement for calm minds during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining uncapped players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five showing their possible impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again relied upon as a substitute following being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has become a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved demeanor off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at international cricket and ought to welcome the unique chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batter whether needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team during recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and propensity to score big scores as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against the English pace cartel in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the side till C