🔗 Share this article

The time for before the Ashes talk and squad guesses is practically done following Australia revealed a 15-man team to confront England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the initial game indicates the need for cool heads during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five showing their possible impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again relied upon as a back-up after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other front-line attackers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor off the field. However the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a threat at this level and ought to welcome the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an battle looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batter if required to accelerate or support the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team during recent matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his attacking intent and habit to hit big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a transition at the opening position after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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