The time for before the Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is almost over following Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the initial game suggests the requirement for cool temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer named for the debut in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.
However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The seasoned seamer is once again trusted as a reserve after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his recent success to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆
Second. Scott Boland
The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm nature off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at this level and can seize the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an contest looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batsman whether needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆
Fourth. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across recent matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now possible as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
5. Cameron Green
The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆
Sixth. Josh Hazlewood
The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆
Seventh. Travis Head
The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to clobber huge runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★
8. Josh Inglis
The back-up keeper in the team showed that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But following being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆
11. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn 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 India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
12. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the team until C
