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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is practically finished following Australia revealed a 15-player squad to confront England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the first match indicates the need for composed temperaments during the intense contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their possible effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more trusted as a substitute after being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the other front-line attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has become a object for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his calm personality off the field. But the veteran has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a danger at this level and ought to welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batter if needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during recent Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. 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 make a major impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the series, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his positive intent and habit to clobber big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the team until C