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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly done following Australia revealed a 15-player team to take on England in the first Test. The larger group for the series opener suggests the necessity for calm heads during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating indicating their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again relied upon as a substitute following being a regular member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other front-line attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm demeanor off the field. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at this level and should seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest hoping to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more confident batsman whether needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his positive intent and habit to hit massive scores as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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