The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost done following Australia revealed a 15-man squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the first match points to the need for calm heads during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.
But with the batsman returning to form and the only other new players being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive approach, with a star rating indicating their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The veteran seamer is once again selected as a back-up following being a regular member in the white-ball teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other main bowlers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his strong performances to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆
Second. Scott Boland
A key fast bowler in Australia has become a object for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor off the pitch. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at this level and ought to seize the unique opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more confident batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few matches and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently attainable as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆
Fifth. Cameron Green
The promising player had been identified for the Test team from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's front foot method to batting, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆
7. Travis Head
The explosive batter is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive intent and propensity to clobber big scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The reserve wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The veteran stays even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a positive beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆
11. Nathan Lyon
The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆
12. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the side until C
