🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is nearly over after Australia unveiled a 15-man squad to confront England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the first match points to the need for composed heads during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their potential effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again selected as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the other key attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his recent success to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has turned into a target for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a danger at the top level and ought to embrace the unique chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more composed batter if required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his attacking intent and propensity to hit massive scores as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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