🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly done following the Australian team announced a 15-member team to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the series opener points to the requirement for cool temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the debut in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their possible influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again trusted as a reserve after being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining key attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has turned into a object for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at this level and should embrace the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle aiming to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more confident batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a major impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the England's front foot method to batting, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his positive approach and propensity to hit huge runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for a full series highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team proved that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good start against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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