🔗 Share this article

The time for before the Ashes talk and squad guesses is practically done following Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to take on England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the first match indicates the necessity for cool heads during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their possible influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once more relied upon as a substitute after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature off the pitch. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at this level and can welcome the unique chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more confident batsman whether needed to accelerate or support the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now possible while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and propensity to hit huge scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at more 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 Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being one of many batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his recent innings might give the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the team till C