🔗 Share this article

The period for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is nearly finished following Australia announced a 15-member team to face the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the initial game suggests the need for calm minds during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again trusted as a back-up following being a regular member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining key attackers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his recent success to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved personality off the pitch. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and can seize the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batsman whether needed to score quickly or support the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning after taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now attainable while Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the persistent concern if he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to England with his positive approach and propensity to hit massive scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for a full series point to his skills, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against the English pace cartel in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the side till C