The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost done following Australia announced a 15-man lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger group for the first match points to the need for calm heads during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.
Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped players being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The veteran seamer is once again relied upon as a back-up following being a regular member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆
Second. Scott Boland
Among the top pace bowler in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at the top level and should seize the unique chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆
3. Alex Carey
The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batsman whether required to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during recent Test series and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now attainable while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
Fifth. Cameron Green
The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the enduring concern whether he can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆
Seventh. Travis Head
The aggressive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit huge runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series point to his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The seasoned remains despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆
10. Marnus Labuschagne
The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆
Eleventh. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆
Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team until C
