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The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad guesses is nearly finished after Australia announced a 15-player lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the initial game points to the necessity for composed temperaments during the heated battle, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five showing their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again selected as a back-up after being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a object for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved personality away from the field. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a danger at this level and should embrace the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a far more assured batter if required to accelerate or guide the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to clobber huge scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the side till C