🔗 Share this article

The period for before the Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is nearly finished after Australia unveiled a 15-man squad to take on the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the first match points to the requirement for composed minds during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive style, with a star rating indicating their potential influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is again trusted as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other main attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has become a target for England for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved demeanor off the field. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and should welcome the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle hoping to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more assured batsman if needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive intent and habit to clobber big scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a century at better 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 matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However following being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a good start against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the team until C