🔗 Share this article

The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is practically over after Australia revealed a 15-member lineup to face England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the first match suggests the need for calm heads during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the only other inexperienced members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five indicating their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again trusted as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other main attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has turned into a target for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at the top level and should welcome the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batter if needed to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently attainable while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of seam whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question if he can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to hit big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests point to his talents, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His exceptional form with five centuries in his recent innings could give the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the team till C