The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is almost over after the Australian team announced a 15-man lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the series opener indicates the necessity for composed heads during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.
Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being two pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five showing their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The seasoned fast bowler is again selected as a back-up following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other front-line bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his recent success to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆
Second. Scott Boland
A key fast bowler in Australia has turned into a object for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at international cricket and ought to seize the rare chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The main gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more confident batsman if required to score quickly or guide the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆
Fifth. Cameron Green
The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆
Sixth. Josh Hazlewood
The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether he can feature in four or maybe even all 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 habit to clobber huge scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The second keeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
Ninth. Usman Khawaja
The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However following being among several batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆
10. Marnus Labuschagne
The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆
Eleventh. Nathan Lyon
The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances 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 India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australian batting great will step in to lead the team till C
