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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man team to face the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the initial game points to the need for cool temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the remaining new players being two pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating indicating their potential effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again selected as a substitute following being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other key bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at international cricket and should welcome the rare chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batsman if required to accelerate or support the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible as Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a important impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to hit massive scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series point to his talents, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But after being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required 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 spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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