The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is nearly over after Australia revealed a 15-member team to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener points to the need for calm temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the first time in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.
However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being two fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible effect on the series starting on 21 November.
First. Sean Abbott
The experienced seamer is once again trusted as a substitute after being a regular member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining key attackers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆
Second. Scott Boland
The fourth best seamer in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm demeanor off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at this level and ought to seize the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆
3. Alex Carey
The first-choice gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more composed batsman whether needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆
Fourth. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
Fifth. Cameron Green
The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The metronomic seamer is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of swing whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆
7. Travis Head
The devastating batsman is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against England with his positive intent and habit to clobber huge runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆
Ninth. Usman Khawaja
The veteran remains even amid calls for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being among several batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆
11. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆
12. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team until C
