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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is almost over after the Australian team revealed a 15-member team to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the series opener indicates the requirement for calm heads during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining inexperienced members being two fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again relied upon as a substitute after being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has turned into a object for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at the top level and should seize the rare chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batsman if needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive intent and tendency to clobber huge runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But following being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the side until C