🔗 Share this article

The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection guesses is nearly over following the Australian team announced a 15-player squad to confront the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the series opener suggests the requirement for cool temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive style, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again selected as a back-up after being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has become a target for England for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at this level and can seize the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle aiming to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive intent and habit to clobber massive runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a knack of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite calls for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However following being one of many batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the side till C