🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly over following Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to face England in the first Test. The larger group for the first match suggests the necessity for cool temperaments during the fiery contest, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the remaining new players being two fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again trusted as a substitute following being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other key bowlers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a danger at international cricket and can welcome the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle hoping to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more composed batter if required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently attainable while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the series, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing question whether he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking intent and habit to score massive runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a pure batter when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However after being among several batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a good start against the English pace attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the team until C