The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is nearly over following Australia unveiled a 15-man team to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded group for the first match suggests the requirement for composed minds during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.
However with the batsman finding form and the remaining new members being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The seasoned paceman is once again relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆
2. Scott Boland
A key pace bowler in the team has become a target for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and should embrace the rare opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆
3. Alex Carey
The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an battle hoping to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more composed batter if needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆
Fourth. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team across recent Test series and is returning following taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
5. Cameron Green
The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question if he can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆
Seventh. Travis Head
The explosive batsman is critical to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his aggressive approach and habit to score huge scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★
8. Josh Inglis
The second keeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The veteran keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆
11. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australian batting great will step in to lead the side until C
