The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is almost over following Australia revealed a 15-man squad to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the first match indicates the need for calm temperaments during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.
But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their possible influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The seasoned fast bowler is again trusted as a substitute following being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other key bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will want to maintain his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆
Second. Scott Boland
The fourth best fast bowler in the team has become a target for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at this level and ought to seize the rare chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆
3. Alex Carey
The first-choice gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more confident batsman if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few matches and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
5. Cameron Green
The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question whether he can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆
7. Travis Head
The aggressive batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive intent and habit to hit huge scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★
8. Josh Inglis
The second keeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
Ninth. Usman Khawaja
The experienced stays despite calls for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against the English pace attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex top-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. His exceptional form with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆
Eleventh. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia toured England 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 key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia batting great will take over to lead the team until C
