🔗 Share this article

The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is practically finished after the Australian team announced a 15-player team to take on the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the initial game points to the need for cool heads during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again selected as a back-up after being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other front-line attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his strong performances to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has become a object for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm demeanor off the pitch. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without being a threat at the top level and ought to welcome the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batter whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach while Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of seam whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to hit massive scores as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the team management the confidence to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team till C