🔗 Share this article

The time for before the Ashes talk and selection predictions is practically done following the Australian team announced a 15-player team to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the initial game suggests the necessity for cool heads during the intense contest, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive style, with a rating out of five indicating their likely influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once more trusted as a reserve following being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm demeanor off the pitch. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a force at international cricket and ought to seize the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an contest looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batter if needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently possible while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's front foot method to batting, with the ongoing concern whether he can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to hit massive scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, 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 batter when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good start against the English pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the side till C