🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is practically over after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member squad to take on England in the first Test. The expanded group for the initial game points to the requirement for composed minds during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more selected as a substitute following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved personality off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at the top level and can embrace the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an battle hoping to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batter whether required to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team during recent matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach while the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's front foot method to batting, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and habit to hit huge scores as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular 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 strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being one of many batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a positive beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His exceptional form with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to trouble England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the team till C