🔗 Share this article

The time for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is nearly over following Australia unveiled a 15-member team to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the first match indicates the need for calm heads during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive style, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more trusted as a reserve following being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other key attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality off the field. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at the top level and can seize the unique chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an battle aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more composed batsman if needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the key quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against England with his attacking intent and habit to hit big runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But following being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the team management the assurance to back him to open if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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