Ashes 2017/18: 5 Australian players to watch out for

A few days back, Australia's selectors picked their 13-man squad for the first 2 Tests of the 2017/18 edition of the Ashes. There was a lot of criticism hovering around some of their choices. None more so than Tim Paine's inclusion. The wicket-keeper batsman has recalled into the Test squad after more than seven years.

Keeping aside the criticism, Australia are still strong enough in their own backyard and can rattle any opposition on a regular basis. England will have their task cut out against the strong hosts. Let us take a close look at five Australian players who can make life very difficult for England.

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#5 Nathan Lyon

Lyon has emerged to become one of the leading off-spinners in the world

Nathan Lyon has been a regular member of the Australian squad during the last few years owing to his consistent performances across all conditions. Whether on home soil or in the subcontinent, he has performed everywhere by taking plenty of wickets.

Currently, Lyon has 269 wickets to his name. The best part is that he is just 29 years old. He has just got better and become a more improved bowler with almost every season. The off-spinner has a reasonable record against England. From 13 Tests, he has picked up 44 wickets at an average of 29.84.

Lyon is particularly threatening against the left-handers. With the likes of Alastair Cook, Dawid Malan and Mooen Ali in the opposition line-up, he would fancy his chances to deliver crucial breakthroughs right throughout the series.

#4 Josh Hazlewood

Hazlewood can be very dangerous with his accurate line and length

Josh Hazlewood is often acclaimed as the successor to the iconic Glenn McGrath. With his accurate line and length, the seamer has been one of the front-line bowlers for Australia over the period. He has formed a menacing new ball combination with Mitchell Starc.

In the last Ashes series, he was among the top three bowlers with 16 wickets to his name. On Australian soil, his record is far more impressive. From 15 Tests, he has taken 65 wickets at an average of 25.35. Hazlewood can be a serious threat to the England top order as he constantly targets the good length area and can generate awkward bounce too.

#3 David Warner

Warner has an impressive record on home soil

From being a prolific T20 player to becoming the most devastating opener in the current Test arena, David Warner has made significant progress during the last five years or so. As evidenced by 1079 runs at an average of 44.59, his Ashes record is more than decent.

Warner's record on home soil is astonishing. He has scored 3257 at an average of almost 60 with 14 centuries to his name. During the last Ashes series in England, he scored 418 runs on challenging pitches.

On his day, Warner can quickly run away with the game. He can destroy bowling attacks at his will. If England are aiming to retain the Ashes, they need to keep him silent for most part of the series.

#2 Mitchell Starc

Starc can rattle any opposition with his fiery pace and in-swinging yorkers

After coming back from injury, Mitchell Starc has fired a warning shot by picking up two hat-tricks in a Sheffield Shield game. Most experts have backed him to replicate Mitchell Johnson's hostile bowling from the 2013/14 series.

From eight Tests against England, Starc has picked up 29 wickets. Against all opponents on Australian soil, he has taken 74 wickets at an average of 29.98. Starc can be handy with the bat at times by adding crucial runs in the lower order. He already has nine half-centuries to his name.

England can expect some intimidating stuff from Starc. They may be in for a dose of rapid yorkers delivered from around the wicket with some reverse thrown in as well. Aside from demolishing the tail, Starc can also rattle the top order with the new-ball.

#1 Steven Smith

Steven Smith will be looking to lead by example

Steven Smith is currently the top ranked Test batsmen in the world. If Australia are to stamp their authority on the visitors, a lot will depend on their skipper's form. Smith's captaincy will be crucial and his leadership battle with counterpart Joe Root will be fascinating to watch.

Smith has been the prolific run-scorer for Australia over the past few years. He has amassed 1339 runs at an average of 45 including five centuries against England. With 508 runs, the right-hander was also the highest run-scorer in the last Ashes series.

As stated by Australian coach Darren Lehmann, Smith could be seen bowling leg-break in the series. Since the middle-order batsman's technique is awkward, he often finds scoring opportunities in different parts of the field. If he hits top form, Root's captaincy will be tested.