🔗 Share this article

The period for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost finished following the Australian team announced a 15-man team to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the initial game indicates the necessity for cool minds during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the only other uncapped players being two pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again relied upon as a back-up following being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a object for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality away from the field. However the 36-year-old has secured 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 threat at international cricket and should welcome the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series looking to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more confident batsman whether required to accelerate or support the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few 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 now possible while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. If he can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and hint of movement whether seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his attacking approach and habit to score huge runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a positive start against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could give the team management the assurance to support him to open if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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