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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Martin Pegan

Squad ratings: how much each Australia player can influence the Ashes series

A composite image of Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.
From left, Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, who all hope to have a say in the upcoming Ashes series. Composite: Getty images/AAP

The time for pre-Ashes barbs and selection speculation is almost over after Australia named a 15-player squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The extended lineup for the series opener hints at the need for cool heads in the heat of an Ashes series with Jake Weatherald included for the first time at the expense of firebrand opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschange surging back into form, and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a familiarity to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (in alphabetical order) will stare down the Bazball bravado, with a star rating out of five indicating their potential influence on the series starting on 21 November.

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