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The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost finished after Australia announced a 15-player team to face England in the first Test. The expanded group for the series opener points to the necessity for calm heads during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the remaining new members being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more trusted as a back-up after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has become a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at the top level and should welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is back following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently attainable while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a important impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of swing whether seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the England's front foot method to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive intent and tendency to score massive scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite calls for a transition at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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