🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is almost over after the Australian team announced a 15-member lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the first match indicates the requirement for composed minds during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the remaining inexperienced players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating reflecting their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more trusted as a reserve following being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining main attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor off the pitch. However the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at the top level and ought to embrace the rare opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more confident batsman whether needed to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the series, might be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the enduring question whether he can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and tendency to hit big scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite demands for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But after being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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