The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is practically done following the Australian team announced a 15-man squad to confront the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the first match suggests the requirement for composed heads during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.
Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.
First. Sean Abbott
The experienced seamer is once again trusted as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his recent success to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆
Second. Scott Boland
The fourth best fast bowler in the team has become a target for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality away from the field. Yet the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a threat at this level and should embrace the unique opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆
3. Alex Carey
The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an contest hoping to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more confident batter if required to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable while Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆
Fifth. Cameron Green
The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a important contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆
7. Travis Head
The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his positive approach and habit to hit big runs as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The back-up keeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The experienced remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English pace cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His exceptional form with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆
Eleventh. Nathan Lyon
The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆
Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia batting great will step in to lead the side until C
