How Much Each Australia Team Member Could Impact the Ashes Series

The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost over after Australia announced a 15-player squad to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the first match indicates the requirement for cool heads during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a known quality to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five indicating their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again trusted as a reserve following being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the other key bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will want to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature off the pitch. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at this level and should seize the unique opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batter if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across recent matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now possible as the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted 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 contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the persistent question whether he can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive intent and habit to clobber massive scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But after being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his recent innings might provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the team until C