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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and selection speculation is almost done after Australia revealed a 15-man lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the series opener points to the need for cool temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer included for the first time in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more selected as a substitute following being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the veteran will want to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at international cricket and ought to embrace the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more confident batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across recent matches and is back following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent question whether he can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive approach and habit to hit big runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the team until C