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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is almost finished after the Australian team announced a 15-member lineup to confront England in the first Test. The larger squad for the initial game points to the necessity for cool temperaments during the heated battle, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new members being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their possible impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again selected as a back-up after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining key bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has turned into a target for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved nature off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a force at the top level and ought to seize the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an contest looking to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more composed batsman whether required to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team across the last few matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit big scores as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite demands for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against the English pace attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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