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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is practically finished following Australia unveiled a 15-member team to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener points to the need for cool temperaments during the heated battle, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again trusted as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the other key attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his recent success to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature off the field. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at the top level and ought to embrace the unique chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an contest hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batsman if needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is returning after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently attainable as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to hit big runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being among several batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form 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 Perth. His outstanding form with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the side until C