🔗 Share this article

The period for before the Ashes talk and squad speculation is nearly finished after Australia unveiled a 15-player lineup to take on England in the first Test. The larger group for the first match points to the need for cool minds during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining uncapped members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more trusted as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has turned into a object for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm nature off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a force at the top level and should welcome the unique opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a far more composed batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against England with his positive intent and propensity to hit huge runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series point to his abilities, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a strong beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the team till C