The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is nearly over after the Australian team announced a 15-man lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the first match suggests the need for calm heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.
However with the batsman returning to form and the only other new players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The seasoned fast bowler is again selected as a back-up after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other main bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his good form to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆
2. Scott Boland
The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has become a object for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at this level and should embrace the rare chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆
3. Alex Carey
The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more confident batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now possible while Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆
5. Cameron Green
The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆
7. Travis Head
The devastating batter is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to score huge runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★
8. Josh Inglis
The reserve keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The veteran stays even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a good beginning against the English pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆
11. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆
12. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australian batting great will take over to lead the side till C
