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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is practically finished after Australia announced a 15-man team to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the first match points to the necessity for composed temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their possible effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again relied upon as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved demeanor away from the pitch. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a threat at the top level and ought to embrace the rare chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to impress 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 the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batsman if needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during recent Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question if he can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his aggressive approach and propensity to clobber massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a talent of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a transition at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a positive start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman 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 outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the side till C