🔗 Share this article

The time for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is almost finished after Australia revealed a 15-member team to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game points to the necessity for calm heads during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their likely effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again selected as a reserve after being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other front-line attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature away from the field. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at this level and ought to embrace the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an contest looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more confident batter whether required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable while Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can play four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive approach and habit to hit huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a positive beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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