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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly over following Australia unveiled a 15-member team to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the initial game indicates the need for composed minds during the heated battle, with the newcomer named for the debut replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other new members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their likely influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again selected as a back-up following being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining key attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his recent success to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at the top level and ought to embrace the rare chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an contest hoping to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more confident batsman whether needed to score quickly or support the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his attacking approach and propensity to hit massive runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England toured 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. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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