🔗 Share this article

The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is almost done following Australia announced a 15-member lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the series opener points to the need for calm minds during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again trusted as a substitute after being a regular member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other main attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has become a object for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature off the field. Yet the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at this level and ought to welcome the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batsman if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach while Cummins is injured and the key quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of seam whether seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive approach and habit to hit huge scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team showed that he should also be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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