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The period for pre-Ashes banter and squad guesses is practically done after Australia announced a 15-player lineup to face the English side in the first Test. The larger group for the series opener points to the necessity for composed minds during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the remaining new players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their possible effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again selected as a back-up after being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has turned into a focus for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet personality off the pitch. However the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at the top level and ought to welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a far more assured batter whether required to accelerate or support the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during recent matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent concern whether he can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking intent and tendency to hit big scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the side until C