🔗 Share this article

The phase for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is practically over after Australia revealed a 15-member team to confront England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game suggests the need for calm minds during the fiery contest, with the newcomer included for the first time instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their potential influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again relied upon as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at this level and should seize the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an battle hoping to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more assured batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the national team across the last few matches and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive intent and habit to score massive scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the player has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batters unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran requires a positive start against England’s pace cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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