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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is almost finished after the Australian team unveiled a 15-player lineup to face England in the first Test. The larger group for the series opener indicates the requirement for calm heads during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their possible effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again selected as a back-up after being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to sustain his recent success to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has turned into a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature off the pitch. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at the top level and can embrace the unique chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an contest looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more confident batsman whether needed to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent concern if he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and propensity to clobber big runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a talent of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required with the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the side till C