🔗 Share this article

The period for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is nearly finished following the Australian team revealed a 15-player squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the first match indicates the need for cool heads during the intense battle, with the newcomer selected for the debut replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new players being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a star rating indicating their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more relied upon as a back-up after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has become a object for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet demeanor off the pitch. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at the top level and should seize the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more composed batsman whether needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach while the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and hint of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his attacking approach and tendency to score big runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However following being one of many batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could give the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team until C