🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is practically finished following Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the series opener suggests the requirement for cool minds during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once again trusted as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has emerged as a object for England for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature off the pitch. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at this level and ought to seize the unique chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to clobber big scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team proved that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his recent innings could give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the side until C