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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is almost over after the Australian team announced a 15-player squad to face England in the first Test. The larger squad for the initial game points to the requirement for calm minds during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped members being two fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once again selected as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining key attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has turned into a object for England for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his calm nature away from the pitch. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at this level and ought to embrace the unique chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more assured batter if required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer 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 last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted 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 significant impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and habit to score massive runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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