🔗 Share this article

The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad guesses is nearly finished following Australia unveiled a 15-man lineup to face England in the first Test. This extended group for the series opener points to the need for composed temperaments during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new players being two pace replacements, there is a known quality to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more relied upon as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other main bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his recent success to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has become a object for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his calm nature away from the pitch. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at international cricket and ought to embrace the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more assured batsman if required to score quickly or guide the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across recent Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and touch of movement whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent question whether he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to hit massive scores as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being one of many batsmen failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the confidence to back him to open if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the team till C