🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is practically over after the Australian team unveiled a 15-man lineup to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the first match points to the need for cool temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the remaining uncapped players being two fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again trusted as a back-up following being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other main attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will want to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has emerged as a target for England for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor away from the field. Yet the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and should embrace the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an battle hoping to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more confident batsman if required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the series, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and hint of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to hit massive scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a positive start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team until C