The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is almost finished following the Australian team revealed a 15-man team to face England in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the initial game points to the necessity for calm heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the first time in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.
Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their likely influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.
The seasoned seamer is once more relied upon as a back-up after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆
Among the top pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor off the pitch. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at international cricket and ought to embrace the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆
The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the batting and his keeping, 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 currently a far more confident batter if needed to score quickly or support the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆
The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during recent matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now possible as Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆
The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆
The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of swing whether off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆
The devastating batter is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against England with his positive approach and habit to hit huge runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a knack of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★
The second keeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆
The seasoned remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a strong start against England’s pace attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆
The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆
The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆
The Australian batting great will step in to captain the team until C
Elena Hartwell is a multidisciplinary artist and educator passionate about fostering creative communities in London.