The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is almost finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the initial game points to the requirement for composed minds during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.
But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive style, with a star rating indicating their possible influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The seasoned fast bowler is once again trusted as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will hope to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆
2. Scott Boland
The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at this level and can welcome the rare opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an contest hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more composed batsman if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach while Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆
5. Cameron Green
The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and touch of seam whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆
Seventh. Travis Head
The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and habit to clobber huge runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The reserve keeper in the team showed that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆
Ninth. Usman Khawaja
The veteran remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆
Eleventh. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
12. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia batting great will step in to captain the side till C
