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The time for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is practically done following the Australian team revealed a 15-player lineup to face the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the initial game indicates the need for cool heads during the intense battle, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new members being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again selected as a reserve after being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality away from the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at this level and should embrace the unique chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more confident batsman if needed to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking intent and propensity to score massive scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a transition at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being among several batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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