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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is nearly over after Australia revealed a 15-man squad to face the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the initial game points to the necessity for calm temperaments during the fiery contest, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining new players being two fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more trusted as a substitute following being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other key attackers facing a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has turned into a target for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality off the field. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at the top level and can seize the unique opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more assured batter whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across recent matches and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently attainable while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to score big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when the team visited England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the side till C