The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is practically finished after Australia unveiled a 15-man lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the initial game indicates the need for composed minds during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.
However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a star rating indicating their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The experienced paceman is once again relied upon as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining key attackers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆
2. Scott Boland
Among the top seamer in Australia has turned into a target for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his calm personality away from the pitch. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a force at the top level and should seize the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆
3. Alex Carey
The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more confident batter whether needed to accelerate or support the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the national team across the last few Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
5. Cameron Green
The acclaimed player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆
7. Travis Head
The aggressive batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive approach and propensity to hit huge runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★
8. Josh Inglis
The second keeper in the team proved that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The experienced remains despite demands for a transition at the opening position after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However following being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to worry England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆
Eleventh. Nathan Lyon
The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the team until C
