The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is practically over following the Australian team announced a 15-man lineup to take on England in the first Test. This extended group for the initial game suggests the requirement for calm heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.
However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The veteran paceman is again selected as a substitute following being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other key bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆
2. Scott Boland
Among the top pace bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his calm nature off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at the top level and ought to embrace the unique chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an battle looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batsman if required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆
Fourth. Brendan Doggett
The state paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
5. Cameron Green
The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆
Sixth. Josh Hazlewood
The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the persistent concern whether he can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆
7. Travis Head
The devastating batsman is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his positive approach and tendency to hit huge runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★
8. Josh Inglis
The back-up wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The experienced keeps hanging on even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a good beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆
10. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆
Eleventh. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia batting great will take over to lead the side till C
