🔗 Share this article

The period for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is nearly finished after Australia unveiled a 15-player team to face England in the first Test. The larger squad for the initial game indicates the requirement for composed temperaments during the fiery contest, with the newcomer named for the first time instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more trusted as a reserve following being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other key bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will want to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has become a object for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet nature away from the field. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a danger at the top level and can seize the rare chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle hoping to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more confident batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the national team during the last few Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to clobber massive scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a good beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the side until C