🔗 Share this article

The time for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost done following Australia revealed a 15-man squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the first match suggests the need for composed temperaments during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their possible impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is again relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other main attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has become a object for England for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature off the field. Yet the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a danger at this level and can embrace the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an contest hoping to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more confident batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent question whether he can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to score huge runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But after being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. 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 failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the team till C