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The period for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is practically over after Australia revealed a 15-member lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the first match indicates the need for cool temperaments during the fiery battle, with the newcomer named for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining new members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five showing their potential effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again relied upon as a substitute after being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other main bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a target for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature off the field. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at this level and can embrace the rare chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batter if required to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now within reach while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to hit big runs as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series point to his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against the English pace cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to worry England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the team till C