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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is almost done following Australia announced a 15-member squad to confront England in the first Test. The larger squad for the series opener suggests the need for calm temperaments during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining new players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again trusted as a substitute after being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other front-line attackers facing a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet personality away from the field. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a danger at international cricket and should welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batter whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently possible while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to clobber big runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England toured for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a transition at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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