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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is practically done after Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the initial game suggests the requirement for cool minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining new players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more relied upon as a reserve following being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the other main attackers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has become a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his calm personality off the pitch. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at the top level and should seize the unique chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more confident batter whether required to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across recent Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now possible as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a important impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the enduring question whether he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to score massive scores as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when the team toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the side till C