🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes banter and squad guesses is nearly finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player team to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener suggests the need for composed temperaments during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the remaining new members being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again trusted as a back-up after being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor away from the field. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at this level and can embrace the uncommon chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more assured batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the national team during the last few Test series and is back after taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his positive approach and propensity to hit huge runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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