🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is practically finished after Australia unveiled a 15-player lineup to confront England in the first Test. The expanded group for the first match suggests the necessity for cool minds during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more trusted as a substitute following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining main attackers confronting a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his good form to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a target for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and should welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more confident batter if needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently attainable as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a major impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his attacking intent and tendency to hit huge runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time England visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English pace attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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