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The period for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is nearly over following the Australian team revealed a 15-member team to face England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the series opener indicates the necessity for cool temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer named for the debut instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again relied upon as a back-up after being a regular member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other key attackers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will want to sustain his recent success to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a danger at international cricket and can welcome the unique opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an contest aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more assured batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible while the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive intent and propensity to score huge scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite 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. Yet following being among several batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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