🔗 Share this article

The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is practically done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man squad to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game suggests the requirement for calm heads during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their possible impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more relied upon as a substitute following being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other key bowlers confronting a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without being a danger at this level and can welcome the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an battle aiming to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more composed batsman whether required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order 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 may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of movement whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his positive approach and habit to clobber big runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a strong beginning against the English pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the team till C