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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is almost finished after the Australian team unveiled a 15-player team to confront England in the first Test. This extended squad for the initial game points to the necessity for cool temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their likely influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again relied upon as a back-up following being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature off the pitch. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at this level and should embrace the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more assured batter whether needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across recent Test series and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern whether he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to clobber huge runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a positive beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings might give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second match helped change the contest when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the side until C