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The period for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly done after Australia revealed a 15-man squad to confront England in the first Test. The larger group for the first match indicates the need for cool minds during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again trusted as a substitute following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining key attackers confronting a demanding fixture list, the veteran will hope to sustain his recent success to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor off the field. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at this level and ought to seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an contest aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batter whether required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now attainable as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver 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 abilities after leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and hint of movement whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking intent and tendency to hit huge scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team proved that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being one of many batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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