🔗 Share this article

The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection guesses is almost done following Australia announced a 15-man lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the first match suggests the need for cool heads during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the debut instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more trusted as a back-up following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining key attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality off the pitch. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at the top level and should welcome the unique chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more assured batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now possible as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a important impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his positive approach and habit to hit big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the team management the confidence to back him to open if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the side until C