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The period for pre-Ashes talk and selection speculation is nearly done after the Australian team announced a 15-man squad to face the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the first match indicates the need for calm heads during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the remaining uncapped members being two pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more trusted as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will want to sustain his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has become a focus for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor off the pitch. Yet the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a force at international cricket and ought to welcome the uncommon chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a far more assured batsman if needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently possible as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against England with his positive intent and propensity to score massive runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a positive beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side till C