The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost over after the Australian team revealed a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the initial game indicates the necessity for cool heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.
But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped players being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The experienced fast bowler is once again selected as a substitute after being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆
Second. Scott Boland
The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a danger at the top level and can embrace the unique opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆
3. Alex Carey
The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an contest aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more confident batter whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆
Fourth. Brendan Doggett
The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆
5. Cameron Green
The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a major impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆
Sixth. Josh Hazlewood
The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his powers 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 line and length, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring concern whether he can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆
Seventh. Travis Head
The aggressive batter is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive approach and habit to clobber big scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The reserve wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The experienced remains even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being among several batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆
10. Marnus Labuschagne
The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆
11. Nathan Lyon
The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆
12. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the side till C
