🔗 Share this article

The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is practically over following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the first match suggests the need for composed temperaments during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again trusted as a back-up following being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his good form to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature off the field. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and ought to embrace the unique opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more confident batter if needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during recent Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the series, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the ongoing concern if he can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive intent and habit to score huge runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batters failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran requires a strong start against the English pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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