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The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player team to take on England in the first Test. This extended group for the series opener suggests the need for cool heads during the fiery contest, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining uncapped players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again relied upon as a back-up following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining key attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at international cricket and should embrace the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a far more composed batsman whether required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to hit huge scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being among several batters failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the side until C