The period for before the Ashes banter and squad speculation is nearly over after Australia announced a 15-man lineup to take on England in the first Test. This extended group for the initial game indicates the requirement for cool heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the first time in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.
But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The veteran paceman is again relied upon as a reserve following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆
2. Scott Boland
A key seamer in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a force at international cricket and ought to welcome the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The preferred gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more assured batsman whether needed to score quickly or support the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆
Fourth. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now possible as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
5. Cameron Green
The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆
Seventh. Travis Head
The devastating batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to hit massive scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The second keeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆
Ninth. Usman Khawaja
The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if required with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆
11. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
12. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia batting great will take over to lead the team until C
