🔗 Share this article

The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is practically over following Australia announced a 15-player lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener points to the requirement for calm minds during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again selected as a back-up following being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a danger at international cricket and can seize the unique chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more composed batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and touch of seam whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive intent and habit to clobber massive scores as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just 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 Australia batting great will take over to captain the team until C