The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is almost finished after the Australian team unveiled a 15-man squad to take on England in the first Test. The expanded squad for the initial game points to the requirement for cool temperaments during the intense contest, with the newcomer named for the first time replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.
However with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The seasoned paceman is again relied upon as a reserve after being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆
Second. Scott Boland
A key pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a danger at international cricket and should seize the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆
3. Alex Carey
The first-choice gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an battle hoping to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more confident batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆
Fourth. Brendan Doggett
The state paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across recent Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
Fifth. Cameron Green
The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and touch of seam whether seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the enduring question whether he can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆
7. Travis Head
The aggressive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and propensity to score huge scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a ability of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The veteran stays even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆
10. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆
11. Nathan Lyon
The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when the team toured 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 a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆
12. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia batting great will take over to captain the team till C
