The Level of Each Australian Team Member Can Influence the Ashes Series

The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is almost finished following the Australian team announced a 15-player squad to take on England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the first match points to the requirement for cool minds during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more trusted as a reserve after being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other key bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will want to sustain his recent success to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his calm nature away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at the top level and should seize the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batter whether required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few Test series and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and tendency to clobber big scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should also be considered as a pure batter when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However following being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the team till C