🔗 Share this article

The period for before the Ashes talk and selection speculation is practically over following Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the initial game suggests the need for composed heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the debut instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a star rating indicating their possible influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again selected as a reserve following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to maintain his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature away from the field. However 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 the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at this level and ought to seize the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle hoping to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more confident batsman if needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team across recent matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking intent and habit to hit huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a positive beginning against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his recent innings could give the team management the assurance to back him to open if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the side till C