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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is nearly done following Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to take on England in the first Test. The expanded group for the series opener points to the necessity for composed minds during the intense contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining inexperienced members being a pair of pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five showing their potential influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again trusted as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining key attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his recent success to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has emerged as a object for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm nature off the field. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at this level and can seize the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batter if needed to accelerate or support the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and propensity to score huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being among several batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the team till C