🔗 Share this article

The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly over after Australia revealed a 15-player team to confront the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the initial game points to the requirement for composed minds during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the remaining inexperienced players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their possible influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again selected as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other key bowlers facing a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has turned into a focus for England for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his calm personality off the field. However the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at this level and can seize the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batter whether needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across recent matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and hint of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his positive intent and habit to clobber big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for a full series point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran requires a good start against the English pace cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment 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 form with five centuries in his recent innings could give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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