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The period for before the Ashes talk and selection guesses is nearly done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man lineup to face the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the series opener points to the requirement for calm minds during the fiery contest, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five showing their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more selected as a reserve following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining main bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a object for England for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his calm nature off the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a threat at this level and ought to welcome the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more confident batter whether required to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible as Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a significant impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking intent and propensity to score massive scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following tightening his grip 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 India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks might provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team till C