🔗 Share this article

The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is practically over following Australia announced a 15-member team to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener suggests the requirement for calm minds during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the remaining uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating indicating their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again relied upon as a reserve after being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has turned into a object for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his calm personality away from the field. However the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at international cricket and should embrace the uncommon chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more composed batter if required to accelerate or support the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently possible while Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to hit big runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But following being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a good start against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the team until C