The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is almost finished after Australia revealed a 15-member squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the series opener suggests the need for calm heads during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.
Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped members being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The seasoned seamer is once more relied upon as a substitute after being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other key bowlers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆
2. Scott Boland
Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality off the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at the top level and can seize the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The main gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest aiming to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batter whether needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆
Fourth. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
5. Cameron Green
The acclaimed player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The consistent seamer is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of swing whether seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the enduring question if he can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆
7. Travis Head
The devastating batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to clobber huge runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★
8. Josh Inglis
The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But following being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆
Eleventh. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia batting great will step in to captain the side till C
