How Much Every Australian Team Member Could Impact the Ashes Series

The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection speculation is nearly finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player team to take on the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the first match indicates the necessity for composed temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the debut in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again relied upon as a reserve after being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his recent success to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality off the field. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at the top level and ought to welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an battle aiming to stand out with the batting 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 much more assured batter if required to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the national team during the last few matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the persistent concern whether he can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to hit big scores as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being among several batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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