🔗 Share this article

The time for before the Ashes banter and squad speculation is almost over following Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to confront England in the first Test. This extended group for the series opener suggests the requirement for calm temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five indicating their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again trusted as a reserve after being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other key bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor off the field. But the veteran has not taken 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 force at this level and ought to embrace the unique chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more composed batsman whether needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now possible while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether he can feature in four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive intent and habit to hit big runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. His blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when the team toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the side until C