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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is practically finished after Australia announced a 15-player team to face the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the first match indicates the necessity for composed temperaments during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their potential effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once again relied upon as a reserve after being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other key attackers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at international cricket and can seize the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest aiming to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more assured batter whether needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently attainable while Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a significant impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the enduring question whether he can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his positive approach and habit to clobber big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. 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 versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against the English pace cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the team until C