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The period for pre-Ashes talk and selection speculation is almost finished following the Australian team revealed a 15-member team to face the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the requirement for composed temperaments during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the remaining new members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again trusted as a reserve following being a regular member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other main bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has turned into a target for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at this level and can embrace the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more confident batter if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during recent matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also support 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 campaign, might be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring question if he can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his positive approach and propensity to score big scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must additionally be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the team until C