How Much Individual Australian Team Member Might Affect the Test Series

The phase for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is practically done after Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to take on England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the initial game suggests the necessity for calm heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the only other inexperienced members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again selected as a back-up after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other key attackers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his calm nature off the field. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at this level and should embrace the uncommon chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a far more confident batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team across the last few Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, might be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his positive approach and propensity to score big scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a positive beginning against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the side until C