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The period for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is practically over following the Australian team announced a 15-member squad to take on England in the first Test. The expanded squad for the initial game indicates the need for cool minds during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their possible influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more trusted as a reserve after being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other front-line bowlers facing a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his good form to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has emerged as a object for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm nature away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and can welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during recent matches and is back following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and hint of swing whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question if he can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to score big scores as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia toured England 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 critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the side till C