The period for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is nearly finished following the Australian team revealed a 15-member lineup to confront England in the first Test. The expanded squad for the first match points to the necessity for composed minds during the fiery battle, with the newcomer selected for the debut in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.
But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new players being two pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive style, with a rating out of five indicating their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The experienced fast bowler is once again selected as a reserve after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other front-line attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will want to sustain his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆
2. Scott Boland
The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at the top level and can embrace the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆
3. Alex Carey
The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batsman if required to score quickly or guide the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The state seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible while Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
Fifth. Cameron Green
The acclaimed 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 impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and touch of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆
Seventh. Travis Head
The devastating batter is critical to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his attacking intent and propensity to hit big scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The second keeper in the squad proved that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The seasoned remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batsmen failing to handle 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 Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆
10. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could give the team management the assurance to support him to open if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆
11. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second match helped change the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆
12. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the side till C
