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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is nearly finished following Australia unveiled a 15-man squad to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the initial game points to the need for calm temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more trusted as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining main attackers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will want to maintain his recent success to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has turned into a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor off the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at this level and can embrace the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batsman if needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team during recent Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach while the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and touch of swing whether off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the persistent question if he can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking intent and propensity to hit huge runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series point to his talents, while the player has a ability of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could give the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series 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 a modest haul previously but bounced back 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 till C