The period for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is practically over after the Australian team revealed a 15-member squad to face England in the first Test. This extended lineup for the first match points to the need for cool minds during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.
However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new players being two fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.
First. Sean Abbott
The seasoned fast bowler is once more relied upon as a substitute following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the other key attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his recent success to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆
Second. Scott Boland
A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature off the pitch. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at this level and can embrace the rare chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆
3. Alex Carey
The main wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more assured batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆
Fourth. Brendan Doggett
The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across recent matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
5. Cameron Green
The promising player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆
Sixth. Josh Hazlewood
The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent concern whether he can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆
Seventh. Travis Head
The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and habit to clobber big runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★
8. Josh Inglis
The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old 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 bat higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆
Ninth. Usman Khawaja
The veteran stays even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batters unable to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good start against the English pace attack in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆
11. Nathan Lyon
The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆
12. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia batting great will step in to lead the side till C
