The time for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is nearly done following the Australian team announced a 15-man squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the series opener suggests the requirement for composed minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.
But with the batsman finding form and the remaining inexperienced players being two pace replacements, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The experienced fast bowler is once more selected as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other main bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆
Second. Scott Boland
The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at the top level and can welcome the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more assured batter if required to accelerate or support the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now possible as the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆
5. Cameron Green
The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆
Seventh. Travis Head
The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive intent and habit to score massive runs as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The reserve wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
Ninth. Usman Khawaja
The experienced stays despite demands for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆
10. 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 again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his recent innings might provide the team management the confidence to support him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆
Eleventh. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
12. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the side till C
