DAVID WARNER
Bullies bowlers and loves beating England. Was a third-innings menace in 2013-14 but England did develop a decent strategy against him in 2015. That may not work on flatter pitches, mind. Sets the tone, with the bat and in the field. Has calmed, but will never learn to resist a feisty sledge.
CAMERON BANCROFT
Made no waves for Gloucestershire in the summer until he scored 278 against Kent in his final game, the springboard for his big start to the Shield season, which has brought 442 runs in six knocks. Steady style and right-handedness should complement Warner, who has his eighth Test opening partner now Matt Renshaw’s poor Shield form has led to him being dropped.
USMAN KHAWAJA
Averages almost 64 on home soil – although he still struggles on away grounds – and the addition of experience to his inherent elegance has produced a wonderful batsman. The left-hander will cut and pull England’s bowlers to distraction should they drop the ball short and he is likely to be brutal with his attacking strokes if the tourists stray on to his pads. Oozes style.
STEVE SMITH
The battle of the captains will be fascinating and possibly series-defining. Just like Joe Root, the key for Smith is how those above him fare – if they can get him in early, England stand a chance. Technique is awkward, but so are his scoring areas for the opposition captain and his record is extraordinary.
PETER HANDSCOMB
Another unorthodox sort, but has made a fine start to his Test career and is comfortable against pace and spin. Did not pull up trees with Yorkshire in the summer, and there are some questions about his Shield form, too – he has scored one half-century in six knocks. Has English parents.
SHAUN MARSH
England are privately pleased that Australia’s No6 does not bowl, because it provides an opportunity to strain the three quicks. This is Marsh’s eighth, and surely final, recall. Stylish and, at 34, experienced, he has had a good start to the Shield summer, averaging 39 with runs against the Test attack.
TIM PAINE
Bolted straight from left field in terms of selection. Richly talented, but has kept wicket in three first-class matches in two Shield seasons and averages 19 in the past four, while his only century came 11 years ago; Darren Lehmann, nine years retired, has one more recently. Is into his 30s, unlike his batting average.
PAT CUMMINS
So fragile that he has played just 15 first-class matches and no home Tests. Looks fit and strong now but selection of Chadd Sayers hints that he may be rested for the second Test. Wants to play the Mitchell Johnson role and, used the right way, is sharp enough to be devastating.
MITCHELL STARC
England’s tail know what is coming. They are in for a dose of hooping, blasting yorkers, often from round the wicket with some reverse thrown in, too. Will operate in longer spells than Cummins, but not by much, and will cause some harm with the bat. A fearsome prospect.
NATHAN LYON
Finger spin was going out of fashion in Australia before Lyon. Well, it’s still out of fashion, but he is defying the trend. Has 269 wickets and the Gabba will be his 70th Test, which is a remarkable record for an unassuming bloke who used to earn his keep as a groundsman.
JACKSON BIRD
Known to England from his time in county cricket and should not be underestimated. No great pace but extremely accurate and does just enough with the ball. One of his eight previous Tests came in the Ashes, at Durham in 2013, and, at 30, might have felt the opportunity of more had come and gone.
JOSH HAZLEWOOD
The modern-day fast bowling version of Glenn McGrath. Country lad who hammers away back of a length with awkward bounce and finding any movement that is on offer, at a speed as quick as anything England possess. Might be expected to produce longish spells and goes into the Ashes series with 33 competitive overs under his belt since August.
CHAD SAYERS
Sayers is English in style and old school. Not quick, but swings and seams the ball and has done extremely well in day-night cricket at the Adelaide Oval, which is surely his best chance of an Ashes Test appearance. Dismissed Steve Smith there a fortnight ago and took 62 Shield wickets last summer.
