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The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad speculation is practically done following Australia revealed a 15-player squad to take on England in the first Test. The expanded squad for the first match points to the requirement for cool heads during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining inexperienced members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more relied upon as a back-up following being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other front-line attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has turned into a target for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a danger at the top level and should embrace the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle hoping to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more confident batsman whether needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few matches and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and tendency to clobber massive scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the side till C