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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is nearly finished following Australia unveiled a 15-member team to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game indicates the need for calm heads during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more trusted as a substitute after being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor off the field. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at international cricket and ought to seize the rare chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle looking to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more confident batter if needed to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back following claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a major impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent question whether he can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive approach and tendency to clobber huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for a full series highlight his abilities, while the player has a talent of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batters unable to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent knocks might provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the team till C