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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost over following the Australian team revealed a 15-player lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. The expanded group for the series opener indicates the necessity for cool heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining inexperienced players being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their possible influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more trusted as a back-up after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other key bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his good form to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has become a object for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality away from the field. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a threat at the top level and should welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batter if required to score quickly or support the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to clobber huge runs as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a talent of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a positive start against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when the team toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the team until C