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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is almost over following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player team to take on England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener suggests the need for cool minds during the fiery battle, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating indicating their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more selected as a substitute after being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining key attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at this level and ought to embrace the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle looking to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a much more confident batter whether needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now possible while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the series, could be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the persistent question whether he can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his attacking intent and propensity to hit massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in 2023. 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 vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team until C