🔗 Share this article

The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is practically over after the Australian team revealed a 15-man squad to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the initial game indicates the necessity for cool temperaments during the intense battle, with the newcomer included for the first time in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the only other new members being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their possible influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again relied upon as a substitute following being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining key attackers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has become a target for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved demeanor off the field. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at the top level and can welcome the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batsman if required to score quickly or support the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team during the last few Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive approach and propensity to clobber huge scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad proved that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid calls for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being among several batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against England’s pace attack in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the team until C