The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is practically done after the Australian team revealed a 15-man squad to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the series opener points to the need for calm minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.
Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new players being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating indicating their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.
1. Sean Abbott
The veteran fast bowler is once again selected as a reserve following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other main attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆
2. Scott Boland
Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality off the pitch. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at this level and ought to embrace the unique chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆
3. Alex Carey
The main gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an contest hoping to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more composed batsman if needed to accelerate or support the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆
4. Brendan Doggett
The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during recent matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently possible as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆
Fifth. Cameron Green
The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a important impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆
6. Josh Hazlewood
The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆
7. Travis Head
The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive intent and propensity to clobber huge runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★
8. Josh Inglis
The reserve keeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆
Ninth. Usman Khawaja
The seasoned stays despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a strong beginning against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆
Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne
The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆
11. Nathan Lyon
The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆
12. Steve Smith (captain)
The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side till C
