The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost finished after Australia unveiled a 15-man team to take on England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the first match points to the need for calm minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.
Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new players being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their possible effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The experienced seamer is once again relied upon as a substitute after being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining main attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆
2. Scott Boland
A key seamer in the team has become a target for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature away from the field. However the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without being a threat at international cricket and ought to seize the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆
3. Alex Carey
The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more confident batter if needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
5. Cameron Green
The promising player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a important impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, 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 consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆
7. Travis Head
The explosive batter is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his positive intent and propensity to hit big scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★
8. Josh Inglis
The second keeper in the squad proved that he should also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The seasoned stays even amid calls for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But after being among several batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆
10. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆
11. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean 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
