🔗 Share this article

The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is practically done following Australia revealed a 15-member squad to take on England in the first Test. The larger group for the initial game suggests the need for composed minds during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their potential influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again selected as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining key attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his strong performances to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has turned into a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature off the field. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at this level and can embrace the unique chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more confident batter whether needed to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across recent Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now possible as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a important impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring question if he can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against England with his positive intent and habit to clobber massive scores as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But following being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a good start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed with the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team until C