🔗 Share this article

The period for before the Ashes talk and selection speculation is nearly done following the Australian team announced a 15-man squad to take on England in the first Test. This extended squad for the initial game points to the need for calm temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining uncapped players being two pace replacements, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating indicating their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again relied upon as a substitute following being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has emerged as a object for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet nature off the field. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and can embrace the rare chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an battle aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more confident batter whether required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach while Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent question if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his positive approach and propensity to clobber big runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when the team toured England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side until C