The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost done following Australia revealed a 15-man team to face England in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener suggests the requirement for calm heads during the heated battle, with the newcomer included for the first time instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.
However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a star rating indicating their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The veteran seamer is again selected as a back-up following being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other key attackers confronting a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆
Second. Scott Boland
A key pace bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at international cricket and can embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batsman if needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆
Fourth. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆
Fifth. Cameron Green
The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆
Sixth. Josh Hazlewood
The accurate seamer is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and hint of movement whether off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆
7. Travis Head
The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking approach and tendency to score massive runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at more 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 Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The experienced remains even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the team management the assurance to support him to open if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆
Eleventh. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the team until C
