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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is almost finished after Australia announced a 15-member team to confront England in the first Test. The larger squad for the series opener suggests the requirement for composed minds during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being two pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again trusted as a reserve following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other main bowlers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his recent success to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has emerged as a object for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm demeanor off the pitch. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at this level and should seize the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle looking to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more confident batsman whether required to score quickly or guide the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, could be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking approach and tendency to hit massive runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests point to his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite demands 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 the subcontinent recently. However following being among several batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a good start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed with the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the team till C