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The time for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost finished after Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded group for the initial game points to the necessity for calm temperaments during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again selected as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other key bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has turned into a object for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality off the field. However the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at international cricket and can seize the unique opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest hoping to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a far more assured batter whether needed to accelerate or support the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question whether he can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive approach and habit to score massive runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But following being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a strong beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his recent innings could give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when the team visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the team till C