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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection speculation is almost finished following the Australian team revealed a 15-member team to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the series opener points to the necessity for cool minds during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their possible impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more selected as a back-up after being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm demeanor off the pitch. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at the top level and should welcome the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more confident batsman if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking intent and propensity to clobber massive runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid calls for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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