The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is practically done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-member lineup to take on England in the first Test. The expanded group for the first match suggests the requirement for cool minds during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the debut replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.
Yet with the batsman returning to form and the remaining inexperienced members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.
First. Sean Abbott
The veteran paceman is once more selected as a back-up following being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other main bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆
Second. Scott Boland
A key fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor away from the field. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at international cricket and can welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆
3. Alex Carey
The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an battle aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more confident batsman whether needed to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during recent matches and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now attainable as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆
5. Cameron Green
The promising all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the enduring concern if he can play four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆
7. Travis Head
The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and propensity to score big runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★
8. Josh Inglis
The second keeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But following being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks might give the team management the assurance to support him to open if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆
Eleventh. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australian batting great will take over to captain the side till C
