The time for before the Ashes talk and squad speculation is nearly done after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener points to the need for calm minds during the intense contest, with the newcomer named for the first time in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.
But with the batsman returning to form and the remaining new players being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.
First. Sean Abbott
The seasoned seamer is once more relied upon as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will want to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆
Second. Scott Boland
The fourth best pace bowler in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality off the pitch. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at international cricket and should embrace the unique chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an battle hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a much more assured batsman if needed to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now possible while Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆
Fifth. Cameron Green
The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆
Sixth. Josh Hazlewood
The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆
Seventh. Travis Head
The explosive batter is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his aggressive intent and habit to hit huge runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The back-up wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The veteran keeps hanging on despite demands for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a positive start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆
11. Nathan Lyon
The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australian batting great will step in to captain the team until C
