As the oldest rivalry in Test cricket reignites, all eyes turn to the Australian squad selected to face England in the opening match of the 2023 Ashes series at Edgbaston. Under the steady leadership of Pat Cummins, this group blends hardened veterans with exciting new talent, all united by the singular goal of retaining the coveted urn on English soil. BBC Sport profiles the 16 players tasked with upholding Australian pride this summer.
Pat Cummins (Captain)
The fast-bowling spearhead and captain, Pat Cummins, carries the weight of a nation on his shoulders. His combination of searing pace, relentless accuracy, and a cricketing brain that is rapidly becoming one of the sharpest in the game makes him the complete modern bowler. Since taking over the captaincy, he has matured into a leader who leads from the front, both with the ball and in his tactical acumen. His ability to break partnerships and bowl marathon spells will be crucial in what are expected to be long, grueling days in the field. As former Australian captain Ricky Ponting noted, "Cummins has that rare ability to change the course of a session with a single spell. His leadership in England will define this series."
Steve Smith (Vice-Captain)
If there is one batsman England fear above all others, it is Steve Smith. The former captain and current vice-captain arrives with a point to prove after a relatively quiet series by his astronomical standards the last time Australia toured. A Test average hovering near 60 speaks to his consistency, but his record in England is truly monstrous. His unorthodox technique, incredible concentration, and insatiable appetite for runs make him the series' key wicket. Smith thrives on the big stage and the pressure of an Ashes battle seems to bring out his very best.
David Warner
The pugnacious opener, David Warner, is playing in his final Test series. He will be desperate to exorcise the demons of his torrid 2019 tour, where Stuart Broad had him on a string. Warner's aggressive intent at the top of the order is a foundational part of Australia's batting strategy. If he gets going, he can take the game away from England in a session, putting their much-vaunted 'Bazball' approach on the back foot. His experience and sharp fielding in the slips are also invaluable assets for the squad.
Marnus Labuschagne
The world's number one Test batsman, Marnus Labuschagne, is the engine room of Australia's middle order. His obsessive preparation, frenetic energy at the crease, and remarkable consistency have made him a run-machine. Coming in at first drop, he often sets the tone for the innings, capable of blunting the new ball or accelerating against the old. His partnership with Steve Smith is one of the most formidable in world cricket, and breaking it early will be a primary objective for the English attack.
Usman Khawaja
The comeback story of the ages, Usman Khawaja has been a revelation since his return to the Test side. Now a composed and technically sound opener, he provides the perfect foil for Warner's aggression. His ability to play long, match-defining innings has been a cornerstone of Australia's recent success. Khawaja's calm demeanor and wealth of experience, including knowledge of English conditions from county cricket, make him an indispensable part of the top order.
The Wicket-Keepers
Alex Carey
The first-choice gloveman, Alex Carey, brings a quiet efficiency to the role. His wicket-keeping is neat and reliable, a crucial factor on English pitches that often offer significant movement. With the bat, he is a dangerous lower-order player capable of counter-attacking and shifting momentum, as he showed with his crucial innings in the World Test Championship Final. His calmness under pressure is a significant asset.
Josh Inglis
The backup keeper, Josh Inglis, offers a dynamic and aggressive batting option. He is seen as a player for the future and provides cover for Carey. His inclusion signals the selectors' desire for batting depth and a like-for-like replacement should it be needed. His energy and positive intent align well with the modern game.
The All-Rounders
Australia's balance is heavily dependent on its world-class all-rounders, providing the captain with multiple options and lengthening the batting order considerably.
- Cameron Green: The towering young talent is a genuine game-changer. His ability to bowl at 140+ km/h and contribute vital lower-order runs makes him a priceless asset. He can be used as a shock bowler or to hold down an end, and his batting has the power to dismantle any attack.
- Mitchell Marsh: The veteran 'Bison' is back in the fold, offering a similar skillset to Green. His experience and powerful hitting down the order provide a different, more aggressive option. His seam bowling is also more than handy, capable of breaking partnerships.
The Pace Battery
Australia's strength has long been its pace attack, and this squad boasts a formidable array of fast bowlers, each with a distinct role. Alongside Cummins, the attack features:
- Mitchell Starc: The left-arm enforcer. Starc provides the crucial angle variation and is a potent threat with the new ball and, especially, the old ball with his devastating reverse-swing.
- Josh Hazlewood: The metronome. If fit, Hazlewood is perhaps the most consistent line-and-length bowler in world cricket. He creates relentless pressure, building dots and forcing mistakes, perfectly complementing the more attacking styles of Cummins and Starc.
- Scott Boland: The Ashes hero of 2021-22. Boland's story is legendary, and his style—wicket-to-wicket, nibbling the ball around at a deceptive pace—could be perfectly suited to English conditions. He is a genuine threat to break into the starting XI.
The Spin Option
Nathan Lyon is not just the spinner; he is the bedrock of the bowling attack. With over 450 Test wickets, his accuracy, subtle variations, and intelligence make him a threat on any surface. He will be tasked with holding up an end, building pressure, and exploiting any rough created by the right-arm quicks outside the left-handers' off-stump. His battle against England's aggressive batsmen will be a fascinating subplot. As Lyon himself has said, "My role doesn't change. It's about bowling good balls for long periods and letting the pressure do the work."
The Supporting Cast
Rounding out the squad are players who provide crucial depth and cover. Marcus Harris is a specialist opener ready to step in if required. The young tearaway Lance Morris, known as the 'Wild Thing', offers raw, express pace and is being groomed for the future, providing a point of difference in the bowling reserves.
This Australian squad presents a formidable challenge for Brendon McCullum's England. It is a group rich in experience, talent, and specific roles, from the established greatness of Smith and Cummins to the X-factor of Green and Starc. They carry the confidence of being World Test Champions and have the personnel to adapt to the varied conditions they will face across the five Tests. The stage is set for a classic Ashes contest, and this group of Australian cricketers is ready for the fight.