🔗 Share this article

The period for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is nearly over after Australia unveiled a 15-man team to face the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the series opener indicates the need for cool temperaments during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the only other new members being two fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive style, with a star rating reflecting their possible effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again selected as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other main attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has turned into a target for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor off the field. But the veteran has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at the top level and can welcome the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batsman if needed to accelerate or support the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible while Cummins 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 targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to clobber big runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a good start against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the side until C