🔗 Share this article

The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is almost over following the Australian team revealed a 15-member squad to face England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game indicates the need for composed temperaments during the fiery battle, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive style, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more relied upon as a back-up after being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the other main attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a target for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at international cricket and should welcome the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batsman if required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across recent Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now possible as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his positive intent and propensity to clobber big runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a strong start against the English pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the side until C