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The time for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is practically finished following Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the first match suggests the need for cool minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the remaining inexperienced members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is again trusted as a substitute after being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his recent success to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at the top level and can seize the unique chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more confident batsman if required to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team during recent Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances 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 true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the series, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and habit to hit massive scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the player has a talent of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a good start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the side until C