The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is practically done following Australia announced a 15-man team to face England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the series opener suggests the necessity for cool heads during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.
But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their possible effect on the series starting on 21 November.
First. Sean Abbott
The seasoned paceman is once again relied upon as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆
Second. Scott Boland
The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor off the pitch. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at the top level and should embrace the unique chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The first-choice gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batsman whether required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during recent Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
Fifth. Cameron Green
The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The accurate seamer is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆
7. Travis Head
The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive approach and propensity to clobber big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The veteran stays even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being among several batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran requires a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆
10. Marnus Labuschagne
The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could give the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆
Eleventh. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆
12. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the team till C
