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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is almost over after Australia unveiled a 15-member team to take on England in the first Test. The expanded squad for the series opener indicates the requirement for calm temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their possible impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more relied upon as a back-up after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining main attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will want to maintain his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has turned into a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a force at international cricket and should welcome the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest aiming to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batter if required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the national team during recent Test series and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of swing whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to hit big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time England visited for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a strong start against England’s pace cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the team until C