🔗 Share this article

The time for before the Ashes talk and selection predictions is nearly over following Australia revealed a 15-man team to face the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the first match indicates the need for composed heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the debut instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five showing their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again selected as a reserve following being a regular member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at international cricket and ought to seize the uncommon chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a far more assured batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team during the last few Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to hit massive runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a good start against the English pace cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the team until C