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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly over after the Australian team revealed a 15-member team to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the initial game suggests the need for composed minds during the heated battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining new players being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more relied upon as a back-up following being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other front-line attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor off the field. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and can seize the unique chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batsman whether needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question whether he can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and habit to score big runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests point to 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 reserve keeper in the squad proved that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a strong beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed with the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when the team toured England in 2023. The veteran 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 Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the team until C