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The period for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is practically over following Australia announced a 15-man squad to confront England in the first Test. The expanded group for the series opener points to the necessity for calm minds during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new members being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again trusted as a substitute following being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved demeanor away from the field. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a danger at international cricket and ought to welcome the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more confident batter whether required to score quickly or support the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the Test team from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his positive approach and tendency to score huge scores as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading 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 experienced stays despite demands for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the team management the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when the team visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the team till C