🔗 Share this article

The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is nearly over after the Australian team revealed a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the initial game indicates the necessity for calm minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the only other new players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again trusted as a substitute following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for England for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at the top level and ought to welcome the unique chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an battle aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more confident batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across recent Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently attainable while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive approach and propensity to hit huge scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the team until C