🔗 Share this article

The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is nearly over following the Australian team revealed a 15-member squad to confront England in the first Test. This extended squad for the series opener indicates the necessity for cool minds during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again trusted as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality away from the field. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at international cricket and should embrace the rare chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more composed batsman whether needed to accelerate or support the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently attainable while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his positive intent and habit to score big runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite demands for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being among several batters failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a positive start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman 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 XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when the team visited England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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