The time for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is almost finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener suggests the need for cool minds during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the debut in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.
Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced members being a pair of pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five indicating their possible effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The veteran fast bowler is once more relied upon as a back-up following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the other main bowlers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆
2. Scott Boland
The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has turned into a object for England for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor off the field. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a threat at the top level and ought to welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more confident batsman if needed to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team across the last few matches and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach as the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a demanding 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 time has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆
Sixth. Josh Hazlewood
The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆
Seventh. Travis Head
The explosive batter is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and tendency to score huge runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time England visited for a full series point to his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★
Eighth. Josh Inglis
The reserve keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆
Ninth. Usman Khawaja
The seasoned stays despite calls for a transition at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a strong beginning against the English pace attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆
10. Marnus Labuschagne
The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆
11. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the team until C
