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The period for before the Ashes talk and squad guesses is almost finished following the Australian team revealed a 15-man lineup to face the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the need for calm temperaments during the intense battle, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped members being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five showing their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again trusted as a back-up after being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other key bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his recent success to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his calm personality off the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at this level and should welcome the rare chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batter if needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team across the last few matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now within reach as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the persistent question whether he can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive intent and propensity to score massive scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But following being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran requires a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second match helped change the contest when the team toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the team until C