The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly done after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member team to confront England in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the first match points to the requirement for cool minds during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.
But with the batsman finding form and the only other new members being two fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The seasoned paceman is again trusted as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other front-line bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆
Second. Scott Boland
The fourth best pace bowler in the team has turned into a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at international cricket and ought to seize the rare opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batsman if needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆
Fourth. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now possible as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
5. Cameron Green
The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆
Sixth. Josh Hazlewood
The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆
7. Travis Head
The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking approach and propensity to clobber big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
Ninth. Usman Khawaja
The veteran remains despite demands for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a good beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆
11. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆
12. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the side until C
