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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is practically done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the initial game suggests the requirement for composed heads during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five showing their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more selected as a back-up following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a force at international cricket and can welcome the unique chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an battle looking to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern if he can feature in four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to England with his attacking approach and habit to clobber huge runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad showed that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But following being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the team until C