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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is practically done following Australia announced a 15-member team to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener suggests the necessity for composed heads during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the only other uncapped members being two fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again selected as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature away from the field. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without being a threat at international cricket and ought to embrace the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing question if he can play four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive approach and propensity to hit big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But following being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a good start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the team management the confidence to back him to open if required with the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the team till C