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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is nearly finished following Australia unveiled a 15-player team to confront England in the first Test. The expanded group for the first match points to the need for calm minds during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the remaining new members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five indicating their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again trusted as a back-up following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has become a target for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet demeanor off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at the top level and can welcome the rare chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an contest hoping to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batter if needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the series, might be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the enduring question whether he can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to hit huge scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the batsman is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the side till C