🔗 Share this article

The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is almost finished following Australia unveiled a 15-man lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener points to the need for cool temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer named for the debut in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again relied upon as a substitute after being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will want to sustain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a force at this level and ought to embrace the unique chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more confident batter if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean 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 true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent question if he can feature in four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to England with his attacking approach and tendency to score huge runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when the team toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the side until C