🔗 Share this article

The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad guesses is nearly finished following Australia announced a 15-man squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the first match suggests the need for calm temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again selected as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet personality off the field. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at the top level and should embrace the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle hoping to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batsman whether required to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently attainable while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the batting players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to hit massive scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid calls for a transition at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical 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 side until C