🔗 Share this article

The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection guesses is almost done after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member lineup to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the series opener indicates the requirement for composed temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again relied upon as a substitute following being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other key attackers facing a tough schedule, the veteran will want to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved demeanor off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at international cricket and can welcome the rare chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a far more confident batsman whether required to accelerate or support the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to score big runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the side till C