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The time for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is practically done following the Australian team announced a 15-man squad to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the initial game indicates the requirement for cool minds during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating indicating their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again trusted as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining main attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his recent success to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet demeanor off the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at the top level and ought to seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more confident batter whether needed to score quickly or support the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team across the last few Test series and is back after taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a important 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 conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking intent and habit to score big scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being among several batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a positive start against the English pace attack in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the team till C