🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is practically done after the Australian team announced a 15-player squad to confront the English side in the first Test. The expanded group for the initial game indicates the requirement for cool minds during the fiery battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again relied upon as a reserve following being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his calm nature away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at this level and should embrace the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more assured batter if needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to hit massive runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series highlight his abilities, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a good start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his recent innings might give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the side until C