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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is almost done following Australia revealed a 15-man squad to take on England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the first match indicates the need for cool heads during the fiery battle, with the newcomer included for the first time instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again relied upon as a substitute after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other main attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his good form to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has become a target for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at the top level and should embrace the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an contest hoping to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more assured batter whether needed to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now possible as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the ongoing concern if he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to clobber massive scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team showed that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But after being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the team till C