The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is almost over after Australia unveiled a 15-man lineup to face England in the first Test. The larger group for the series opener indicates the requirement for composed temperaments during the fiery contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.
However with the batsman hitting stride and the only other inexperienced members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their possible influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.
The veteran paceman is once again selected as a reserve following being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the other key bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆
Among the top fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet demeanor off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at international cricket and ought to embrace the unique opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆
The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle hoping to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more composed batsman if required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆
The state paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
The promising player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a major impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆
The consistent seamer is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady discipline, and touch of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆
The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit big scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★
The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆
The veteran remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆
The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆
The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆
The Australia batting great will take over to captain the side till C
