The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-member team to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the initial game indicates the necessity for calm temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.
But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.
First. Sean Abbott
The seasoned paceman is once again selected as a substitute after being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the other main attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆
2. Scott Boland
A key fast bowler in Australia has become a object for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor off the pitch. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a threat at international cricket and can embrace the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆
3. Alex Carey
The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batter if required to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during recent matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible while Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
Fifth. Cameron Green
The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring question whether he can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆
7. Travis Head
The aggressive batter is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive intent and habit to hit huge scores as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The second keeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
Ninth. Usman Khawaja
The seasoned stays despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But following being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a positive start against the English pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆
Eleventh. Nathan Lyon
The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australian batting great will step in to captain the side till C
