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The period for pre-Ashes talk and selection speculation is nearly done following the Australian team revealed a 15-man lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded group for the first match points to the need for cool minds during the heated contest, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their possible effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other key bowlers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has become a object for England for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature off the pitch. However 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 – and has being a force at this level and should embrace the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an battle looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batter if needed to accelerate or support the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – including eleven 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 injured and the key quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and touch of swing whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to clobber massive runs as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time England visited for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team showed that he should also be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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