🔗 Share this article

The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad speculation is nearly done after the Australian team announced a 15-member lineup to face England in the first Test. This extended squad for the first match suggests the requirement for calm heads during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five showing their possible influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more trusted as a back-up after being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the other key attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at this level and should embrace the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to stand out 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 confident batter whether required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently possible as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a significant impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of seam whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking intent and propensity to clobber massive runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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