🔗 Share this article

The time for before the Ashes talk and selection predictions is nearly done following the Australian team announced a 15-player lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the initial game suggests the necessity for cool heads during the fiery battle, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again relied upon as a back-up after being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other main attackers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor off the field. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and ought to seize the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more confident batter whether needed to score quickly or support the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now possible while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities following leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and propensity to clobber massive runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However following being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a strong beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the confidence to support him to open if needed with the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team till C