🔗 Share this article

The time for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is practically done after Australia unveiled a 15-player team to face England in the first Test. The expanded group for the series opener indicates the necessity for calm temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the only other uncapped members being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is again selected as a reserve following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at international cricket and ought to embrace the unique chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more composed batsman if needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent matches and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently attainable as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the persistent question if he can feature in four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his aggressive approach and tendency to score massive scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batters unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran requires a positive beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the team till C