🔗 Share this article

The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-member squad to face England in the first Test. The larger squad for the first match suggests the requirement for calm heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the debut instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped members being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again trusted as a back-up following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining key attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for England for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his calm personality off the field. However 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 being a force at this level and ought to embrace the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle aiming to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batter whether required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the standout 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 bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the series, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of movement whether seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern if he can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive intent and habit to hit big runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batters failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the team until C