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The period for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is practically finished after Australia unveiled a 15-man team to confront the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the first match indicates the need for cool minds during the fiery battle, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once again trusted as a back-up after being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to maintain his strong performances to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved demeanor off the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at international cricket and should embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more composed batsman if needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently possible as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a important impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing question whether he can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against England with his aggressive intent and propensity to score big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the side till C