🔗 Share this article

The period for before the Ashes talk and selection speculation is practically over following Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the initial game points to the need for composed temperaments during the fiery contest, with the newcomer named for the debut in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five showing their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again relied upon as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature off the field. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at this level and can seize the unique chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more confident batter if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent matches and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now possible as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking approach and habit to clobber massive runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the team until C