🔗 Share this article

The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is almost done following Australia announced a 15-player lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the first match suggests the requirement for cool temperaments during the fiery contest, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the only other inexperienced players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again relied upon as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other key attackers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his strong performances to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has turned into a target for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature off the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at the top level and can seize the unique chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle aiming to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent matches and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a important impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. If he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against England with his aggressive intent and propensity to clobber big scores as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the team until C