The period for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is practically finished following Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to take on England in the first Test. The larger group for the series opener points to the requirement for composed minds during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the debut instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.
But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped members being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.
First. Sean Abbott
The seasoned paceman is again trusted as a substitute following being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆
2. Scott Boland
Among the top fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at this level and can embrace the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆
3. Alex Carey
The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more confident batsman if required to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆
Fourth. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent matches and is back following claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆
Fifth. Cameron Green
The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The consistent seamer is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆
Seventh. Travis Head
The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to score huge scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The second keeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆
Ninth. Usman Khawaja
The veteran remains even amid calls for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being among several batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆
11. Nathan Lyon
The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
12. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia batting great will step in to lead the team till C
