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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is practically done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-member lineup to face England in the first Test. The larger group for the series opener suggests the need for calm minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their potential influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more relied upon as a substitute after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other main attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a object for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm demeanor off the field. But the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at this level and ought to embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an contest hoping to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batsman if needed to accelerate or support the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach as the captain is injured and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a important impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally support 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 campaign, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to clobber big runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the side till C