🔗 Share this article

The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly done following the Australian team revealed a 15-member lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the initial game indicates the requirement for cool temperaments during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining new players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more selected as a back-up after being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other key bowlers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the veteran will want to maintain his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has turned into a focus for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature off the field. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and ought to embrace the unique chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an battle looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more confident batsman whether needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team during recent Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now possible as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can play four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to score huge runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a transition at the opening position after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batsmen failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to the team's clean 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