The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is nearly done after Australia announced a 15-player lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the series opener points to the need for cool minds during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.
Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating indicating their possible impact on the series starting on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The experienced paceman is again selected as a back-up following being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his recent success to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆
Second. Scott Boland
Among the top pace bowler in Australia has become a object for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature off the pitch. But the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at international cricket and should welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest aiming to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batter whether required to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆
Fourth. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆
5. Cameron Green
The acclaimed player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the series, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing concern whether he can feature in four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆
7. Travis Head
The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his attacking approach and habit to score big runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★
8. Josh Inglis
The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆
Ninth. Usman Khawaja
The seasoned stays even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His exceptional form with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆
11. Nathan Lyon
The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆
Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia batting great will step in to captain the team until C
