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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is nearly done following Australia announced a 15-member lineup to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the series opener indicates the necessity for cool heads during the heated contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five showing their possible impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again selected as a reserve after being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will want to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. Yet the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and ought to welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more assured batter if needed to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few matches and is back following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the persistent question if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking intent and habit to hit massive runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But following being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against the English pace cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the side until C