🔗 Share this article

The phase for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost over after the Australian team announced a 15-player squad to take on England in the first Test. This extended lineup for the initial game indicates the need for composed heads during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the remaining new members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating indicating their potential influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again selected as a substitute following being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining main attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his recent success to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor off the field. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at this level and should seize the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an contest looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more assured batsman whether needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the national team during recent matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently attainable as the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the persistent question if he can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his attacking intent and tendency to hit big scores as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a ability of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But following being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a positive beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the side till C