🔗 Share this article

The phase for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is nearly done after Australia announced a 15-man squad to face the English side in the first Test. The larger group for the first match indicates the necessity for calm heads during the intense battle, with the newcomer selected for the debut replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again relied upon as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved nature off the field. But the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a danger at international cricket and ought to embrace the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a major impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and hint of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against England with his positive intent and propensity to score big runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But after being among several batters failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a strong beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the team until C