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The period for before the Ashes talk and squad speculation is nearly over following Australia announced a 15-player team to confront the English side in the first Test. The expanded group for the series opener points to the requirement for calm minds during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again relied upon as a substitute following being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining main bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality off the field. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at the top level and should seize the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more confident batter if required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning after taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now possible while Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern if he can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking intent and tendency to clobber huge runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the team management the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the side until C