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The period for pre-Ashes talk and selection speculation is nearly done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player team to face England in the first Test. The larger group for the first match points to the need for calm temperaments during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining uncapped members being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again trusted as a substitute following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has become a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved demeanor off the field. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at the top level and can embrace the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batsman if needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the national team across recent Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and touch of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his aggressive approach and propensity to clobber massive scores as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad showed that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However after being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings might give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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