The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is nearly finished after Australia unveiled a 15-member team to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the first match suggests the need for calm minds during the fiery contest, with the newcomer included for the first time instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.
But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new players being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely influence on the series beginning on 21 November.
The seasoned seamer is once again trusted as a reserve following being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other main bowlers confronting a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆
Among the top pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. But the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at international cricket and should welcome the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆
The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batsman if required to score quickly or support the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆
The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the national team across recent matches and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆
The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆
The explosive batter is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and propensity to clobber huge scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★
The reserve wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆
The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆
The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent innings could give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆
The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆
The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team until C
A health enthusiast and writer passionate about sharing evidence-based wellness advice and personal health journeys.
