The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is almost done after Australia announced a 15-man team to face England in the Perth Test. The larger group for the series opener suggests the necessity for cool heads during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.
However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The seasoned seamer is once more trusted as a reserve following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to sustain his recent success to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆
Second. Scott Boland
A key fast bowler in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his calm nature off the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at the top level and should welcome the unique opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The first-choice gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more composed batsman if required to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across recent matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
Fifth. Cameron Green
The promising all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The accurate seamer is at the peak of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆
Seventh. Travis Head
The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and propensity to hit big runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The reserve keeper in the team showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
Ninth. Usman Khawaja
The veteran stays even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆
Eleventh. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆
Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia batting great will step in to captain the side until C
