The time for before the Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is practically finished after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member team to take on England in the first Test. This extended lineup for the first match points to the necessity for cool heads during the heated battle, with the newcomer named for the debut instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.
But with the batsman returning to form and the remaining uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their potential influence on the series beginning on 21 November.
First. Sean Abbott
The experienced paceman is once more relied upon as a reserve following being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆
2. Scott Boland
A key fast bowler in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality off the field. Yet the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and should seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batsman if needed to score quickly or support the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆
Fourth. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the national team across recent matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆
5. Cameron Green
The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆
Sixth. Josh Hazlewood
The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆
Seventh. Travis Head
The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and habit to hit huge runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The second wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
Ninth. Usman Khawaja
The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a positive start against the English pace attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His blistering form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆
11. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
12. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australian batting great will step in to lead the team until C
