The period for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is practically done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the first match suggests the requirement for composed heads during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.
Yet with the batsman returning to form and the remaining inexperienced players being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.
First. Sean Abbott
The experienced fast bowler is once again relied upon as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other main bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆
2. Scott Boland
The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature off the field. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at international cricket and ought to embrace the rare chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆
3. Alex Carey
The preferred gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more confident batter if needed to accelerate or support the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆
Fourth. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the national team during the last few Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now possible as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆
5. Cameron Green
The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆
Sixth. Josh Hazlewood
The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆
Seventh. Travis Head
The explosive batter is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit big scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★
8. Josh Inglis
The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The experienced keeps hanging on even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆
10. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the confidence to support him to open if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆
Eleventh. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the side till C
