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The period for before the Ashes banter and selection guesses is nearly finished after the Australian team unveiled a 15-player lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game indicates the need for cool temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer included for the first time in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new players being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again selected as a back-up following being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a target for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality off the field. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at this level and can welcome the unique opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batter if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back after taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against England with his aggressive intent and tendency to clobber big runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But following being among several batters unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the side till C