The period for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is almost done after Australia announced a 15-man team to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the initial game suggests the need for calm temperaments during the heated battle, with the newcomer named for the debut replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.
Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their potential influence on the series beginning on 21 November.
First. Sean Abbott
The veteran paceman is once again trusted as a back-up following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other main attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will want to maintain his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆
2. Scott Boland
A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a target for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality away from the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at the top level and can seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more composed batsman whether needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently possible while Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
Fifth. Cameron Green
The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of seam whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆
7. Travis Head
The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his attacking approach and habit to clobber massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★
8. Josh Inglis
The back-up keeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit 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 following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being among several batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a positive beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆
Eleventh. Nathan Lyon
The spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
12. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia batting great will take over to captain the team till C
