🔗 Share this article

The period for before the Ashes talk and squad guesses is almost done following Australia announced a 15-member lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the initial game points to the need for composed temperaments during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced members being two fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more selected as a substitute following being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm demeanor off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at the top level and can welcome the rare opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a far more assured batsman if required to score quickly or support the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during recent matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now attainable while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed 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 best of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and touch of seam whether seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to hit big runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time England visited for a full series point to his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But after being among several batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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