🔗 Share this article

The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is almost finished following Australia revealed a 15-man lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended group for the series opener indicates the necessity for cool temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the debut in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again selected as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has turned into a focus for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet demeanor off the field. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at this level and can embrace the rare opportunity 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 hoping to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more composed batter whether required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team across recent matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a important impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of seam whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to hit big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for a full series highlight his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite demands for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However following being one of many batsmen unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five hundreds in his recent innings could give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the team until C