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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is practically over after Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the initial game indicates the need for calm heads during the fiery battle, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more relied upon as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining front-line bowlers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality away from the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a force at this level and can seize the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more composed batter if needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team across the last few matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach while Cummins is injured and the key quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against England with his aggressive approach and propensity to clobber big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a positive start 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 hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His exceptional form with five centuries in his recent innings could give the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the contest when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the side until C