🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is practically over following Australia unveiled a 15-member team to confront the English side in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener indicates the need for composed temperaments during the fiery battle, with the newcomer included for the debut instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining inexperienced members being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five showing their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again relied upon as a back-up after being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other main bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved nature off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at this level and ought to embrace the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more confident batter whether required to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team across recent Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a important impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his aggressive intent and propensity to clobber huge scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being among several batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent 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 the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the side until C