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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost over after Australia revealed a 15-man squad to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the first match suggests the necessity for cool minds during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five showing their possible influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again trusted as a substitute after being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining main attackers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his calm nature away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and should seize the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batter if required to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the persistent question whether he can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and habit to hit massive scores as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his recent innings might give the team management the confidence to support him to open if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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