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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost finished after Australia unveiled a 15-player team to face England in the first Test. The larger group for the initial game suggests the requirement for calm minds during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five showing their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more trusted as a substitute after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other key attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his good form to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature off the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a danger at this level and ought to embrace the rare chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more composed batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team during the last few matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach while the captain is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive approach and propensity to clobber massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a positive start against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

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 Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the team till C