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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is practically done following Australia announced a 15-member squad to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the series opener points to the requirement for calm heads during the intense battle, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again selected as a substitute following being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other main bowlers confronting a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a object for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature off the pitch. But the veteran has not taken 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 being a danger at this level and should welcome the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more assured batter if required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the national team during the last few matches and is back following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of swing whether off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his aggressive intent and propensity to hit massive runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batters failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a positive start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the side until C