The period for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost done after Australia announced a 15-player lineup to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener suggests the requirement for cool heads during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.
However with the batsman hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The veteran seamer is again selected as a substitute following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆
2. Scott Boland
A key pace bowler in Australia has turned into a target for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature off the field. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at this level and ought to welcome the unique chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more confident batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the national team during the last few matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable while the captain is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
Fifth. Cameron Green
The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆
7. Travis Head
The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★
8. Josh Inglis
The second keeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆
Ninth. Usman Khawaja
The seasoned remains even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being among several batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a strong start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆
11. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆
Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the team till C
