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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is almost done following Australia announced a 15-man lineup to take on England in the first Test. The expanded group for the initial game points to the need for calm heads during the intense battle, with the newcomer named for the debut in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again relied upon as a back-up after being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has turned into a object for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at international cricket and can welcome the rare chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more confident batsman if needed to score quickly or support the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during recent matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the persistent concern if he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to hit big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for five Tests point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite demands for a transition at the opening position after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a good start against England’s pace attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the side until C