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The period for before the Ashes talk and squad speculation is practically over after Australia unveiled a 15-man team to confront the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the first match indicates the need for calm heads during the heated battle, with the newcomer named for the first time replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the remaining uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their likely influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again trusted as a substitute following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the other main attackers facing a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has turned into a focus for England for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at international cricket and ought to welcome the unique opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more confident batter whether needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches 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 scoring, with the persistent concern if he can feature in four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to score huge runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must additionally be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But after being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a strong beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight innings might give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the side until C