🔗 Share this article

The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad speculation is practically done following the Australian team announced a 15-member squad to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the initial game suggests the necessity for calm heads during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped players being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again relied upon as a substitute following being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has become a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality off the field. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a danger at the top level and ought to welcome the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle hoping to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more confident batsman if needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's front foot method to batting, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to clobber massive scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against England’s pace attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the team till C