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The time for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is practically over following Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to take on England in the first Test. The larger group for the series opener points to the necessity for composed temperaments during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again relied upon as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other main bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature off the field. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at the top level and should seize the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batsman whether required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently possible as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking intent and habit to clobber massive runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But following being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks might provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped change the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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