The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is almost done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the initial game indicates the requirement for composed minds during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.
However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The seasoned paceman is once again relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining key bowlers facing a tough schedule, the veteran will hope to sustain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆
Second. Scott Boland
The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor off the field. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a force at this level and ought to embrace the rare opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆
Third. Alex Carey
The main gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batsman if required to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a game-changing 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 after claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆
5. Cameron Green
The promising player had been identified for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆
Sixth. Josh Hazlewood
The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the enduring question whether he can feature in four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆
Seventh. Travis Head
The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his aggressive intent and habit to clobber massive scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests 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 back-up keeper in the team proved that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
9. Usman Khawaja
The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆
10. Marnus Labuschagne
The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆
Eleventh. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after 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 home campaign he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆
Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia batting great will step in to captain the side till C
