The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is nearly finished after the Australian team revealed a 15-player lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the initial game suggests the need for cool heads during the intense battle, with the newcomer included for the first time in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.
But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their potential influence on the series beginning on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The experienced fast bowler is once again selected as a back-up after being a regular member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆
2. Scott Boland
A key pace bowler in the team has turned into a focus for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved demeanor off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at international cricket and ought to welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batsman whether required to score quickly or guide the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆
Fourth. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
Fifth. Cameron Green
The promising player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆
Sixth. Josh Hazlewood
The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and touch of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆
7. Travis Head
The aggressive batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his positive approach and tendency to clobber huge runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
Ninth. Usman Khawaja
The experienced remains even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But after being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against the English pace attack in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆
Eleventh. Nathan Lyon
The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆
12. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australian batting great will take over to lead the side till C
