🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is practically done after Australia unveiled a 15-member team to take on the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the initial game points to the need for cool minds during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining new members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five showing their possible effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again relied upon as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the other main bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his good form to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his calm nature off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a force at international cricket and should embrace the rare opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batter whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during recent Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his positive approach and tendency to hit huge scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for a full series highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being among several batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the confidence to back him to open if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the side till C