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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is practically done following Australia unveiled a 15-player team to face the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the first match indicates the need for composed minds during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again trusted as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other front-line bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his recent success to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality away from the field. However the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at the top level and should welcome the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest looking to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more confident batsman whether required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team across the last few matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently attainable as Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking intent and habit to hit big scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should additionally be considered as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player 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 come in higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid demands for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the team till C