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The period for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly done after Australia revealed a 15-player squad to confront the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the series opener points to the requirement for cool temperaments during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more relied upon as a back-up following being a regular member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining key bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his recent success to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has become a object for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature off the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at international cricket and can embrace the uncommon chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a much more assured batter whether needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently attainable as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of swing whether off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to clobber big runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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