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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is almost done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man lineup to confront England in the first Test. This extended squad for the series opener indicates the need for cool temperaments during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the remaining uncapped members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again trusted as a reserve following being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has become a object for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a danger at the top level and should welcome the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batter whether needed to accelerate or support the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now possible as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the enduring question if he can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking intent and habit to hit huge runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should additionally be considered as a pure batter when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite demands for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being among several batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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