🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is practically finished after Australia announced a 15-man lineup to face the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the initial game indicates the need for cool heads during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining uncapped members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle 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 paceman is again selected as a substitute following being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has emerged as a object for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a danger at international cricket and ought to welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, 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 batter if needed to accelerate or support the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his positive approach and tendency to clobber big runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being among several batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his recent knocks might provide the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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