The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is nearly over after the Australian team revealed a 15-member squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the initial game indicates the requirement for composed heads during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.
Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The veteran paceman is once more selected as a substitute after being a regular member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining key attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆
Second. Scott Boland
The fourth best seamer in Australia has turned into a target for England for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved personality off the pitch. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at the top level and should seize the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆
3. Alex Carey
The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an contest looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batsman whether required to accelerate or support the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆
Fifth. Cameron Green
The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆
Seventh. Travis Head
The explosive batter is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit huge runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at better 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 although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The seasoned stays despite demands for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆
10. Marnus Labuschagne
The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆
11. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆
12. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the side till C
