The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad speculation is nearly over following Australia unveiled a 15-player lineup to take on England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the first match points to the necessity for composed minds during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.
But with the batsman returning to form and the only other new members being two pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.
First. Sean Abbott
The veteran fast bowler is again trusted as a reserve after being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other front-line attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆
2. Scott Boland
Among the top pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature off the field. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a force at international cricket and ought to embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The first-choice gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batsman if needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆
Fourth. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few Test series and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently possible as Cummins is injured and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆
Fifth. Cameron Green
The acclaimed player had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆
7. Travis Head
The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking intent and habit to score huge runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must additionally be considered as a pure batter when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
Ninth. Usman Khawaja
The seasoned remains even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆
10. Marnus Labuschagne
The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆
Eleventh. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia batting great will step in to captain the side until C
