🔗 Share this article

The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is almost done after Australia announced a 15-man team to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game points to the necessity for calm minds during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the debut instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five indicating their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again relied upon as a reserve following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet demeanor off the pitch. Yet the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at the top level and ought to embrace the unique chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest aiming to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more confident batsman if required to accelerate or guide the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during recent Test series and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible while the captain is injured and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the enduring question if he can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and tendency to score massive scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But following being among several batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the team management the assurance to support him to open if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the side until C